Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) has emerged as a viable alternative
for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEG-J) in patients
who cannot tolerate gastric feeding. Reportedly, DPEJ placement with regular endoscopes
fails in up to one-third of cases. The aim of the current study was to assess the
efficacy and safety of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted DPEJ. The DPEJ placement
technique was comparable to conventional PEG placement. A total of 12 DPEJ procedures
were performed in 11 patients (mean age 55 years [range 24 – 83 years]; seven males).
SBE-assisted DPEJ was successful in 11 of the 12 procedures (92 %). Post-procedural
complications included gastroparesis and aspiration pneumonia in one case each. We
conclude that SBE-assisted DPEJ placement seems a safe and successful approach for
patients requiring jejunal enteral feeding.