Current status of single-balloon enteroscopy： Insertabilityand clinical applications

The single-balloon enteroscopy （SBE） system waslaunched in 2007, proposed as a simpler methodthan double-balloon enteroscopy （DBE）. Controversysurrounds whether the SBE system has the sameinsertability as DBE. However, many methods havebeen proposed to improve the depth of insertion withthe SBE system, involving several techniques andendoscopic accessories. SBE is used for investigatingnot only small bowel diseases, but also diseasesof the pancreatobiliary and colonic structures. SBEis a necessary advancement for many endoscopicprocedures and applications in modern clinical practice.In our review, we summarized the current literatureconcerning the insertability of SBE and describedthe technical aspects of improving the rate of deepinsertion in SBE procedures. In addition, the recentapplications of SBE to diseases besides those of thesmall bowel are described.