Push-and-pull enteroscopy using a single-balloon technique for difficult colonoscopy.

Background and study aims Several factors predict difficult or incomplete colonoscopy with a standard colonoscope, including female gender, low body mass index, extensive diverticulosis, and prior pelvic surgery. Patients and methods A push-and-pull enteroscopy device and a single-balloon technique was used in 14 patients (six men, eight women; mean age 62 +/- 15 years) after failure of ileocolonoscopy or endoscopic therapy using either a standard or a pediatric colonoscope. The original ileocolonoscopy had been performed to investigate colon polyps (n = 6), an obscure inflammatory process in the ileocecal region (n = 6), or iron deficiency anemia with a positive fecal occult stool test (n …