Tips for deep insertion by the single operator method using single-balloon enteroscopy

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) was first introduced in 2001. After the introduction of DBE, single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) and spiral enteroscopy have been reported. These enteroscopy techniques are generically categorized as device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE). In Japan, some endoscopy centers have introduced DBE while other centers have introduced SBE in accordance with the existing videoscope system. In this review article, we focus on the difference between DBE and SBE, and the single operator method by using SBE. To achieve deep insertion using balloon-assisted enteroscopy, it is necessary to insert the distal end of the sliding tube (ST). Thus, when the ST is inserted into the deeper part using SBE that has no scope-balloon, endoscopists have to pay attention to careful insertion of the ST.