Laparoendoscopy (laparoscopy assisted enteroscopy) and partial resection of small bowel.

We investigated laparoendoscopy (laparoscopy-assisted small bowel enteroscopy) as an aid in managing the challenging diagnostic problem of occult small bowel hemorrhage. We performed laparoendoscopy on five nonconditioned dogs and five conditioned dogs. In each case, we laparoscopically inspected the small bowel from the ligament of Treitz to the ileocecal valve. Small bowel was exteriorized, an enterotomy was performed, and an Olympus CL-100L colonoscope was inserted and advanced proximally to the stomach and distally to the ileocecal valve. A segment of small bowel was arbitrarily designated as the site of bleeding, was exteriorized, and was resected. Bowel continuity was restored with a stapled anastomosis. The animals were euthanized and autopsied immediately after the procedure (n = 5) or a week following the procedure (n = 5), at which time the anastomoses were tested for leakage and patency. The entire small bowel was visualized in all animals. There were no anastomotic leaks. Laparoendoscopy may be of value in identifying and treating hemorrhagic origin of small bowel. Clinical trials are warranted.