Nonsurgical management of small-bowel polyps in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with extensive polypectomy by using double-balloon endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The major problem in the management of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is small-bowel polyps, which can cause intussusception and bleeding. Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) enables endoscopic resection of small-bowel polyps.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of endoscopic management of small-bowel polyps in PJS patients by using DBE.

DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.

SETTING: Single university hospital.

PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with PJS who underwent multiple sessions of DBE for evaluation or treatment of small-bowel polyps between September 2000 and April 2009.

INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopic resection of small-bowel polyps in PJS patients was performed by using DBE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Efficacy, safety, and long-term laparotomy rate after the procedures were evaluated.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients (10 men, mean age 34.0 ± 15.8 years) underwent DBE for a mean 3.0 ± 1.0 sessions. The mean numbers of resected polyps larger than 20 mm significantly decreased as sessions advanced (first, 3.6; second, 1.3; third, 0.7; fourth, 0.4; and fifth, 1.0; P = .02). The mean maximum sizes of resected polyps also significantly decreased at each session: 33, 19, 12, 17, and 30 mm (P = .01). One patient had a perforation, but was managed conservatively. Other complications were pancreatitis (n = 2) and bleeding (n = 2). Only 1 patient underwent surgery for intussusception during the study period.

LIMITATIONS: This was a small single-center retrospective study of short duration.

CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic management of small-bowel polyps in PJS patients by using DBE is safe and effective and avoids urgent laparotomy.