Aim: To investigate and compare the decompression effect on small bowel obstruction of a long tube inserted using either endoscopic or fluoroscopic placement.
Methods: Seventy-eight patients with small bowel obstruction requiring decompression were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups. Intubation of a long tube was guided by fluoroscopy in one group and by endoscopy in the other. The duration of the procedure and the success rate for each group were evaluated.
Results: A statistically significant difference in the mean duration of the procedure was found between the fluoroscopic group (32.6 ± 14.6 min) and the endoscopic group (16.5 ± 7.8 min) among the cases classified as successful (P < 0.05). The success rate was significantly different between the groups: 88.6% in the fluoroscopic group and 100% in the endoscopic group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: For patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction, long-tube decompression is recommended and long-tube insertion by endoscopy was superior to fluoroscopic placement.
Keywords: Decompression; Fluoroscopic guidance; Gastroscope; Long-tube insertion; Small bowel obstruction.