title: Endoscopic techniques to detect small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors: A literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The diagnosis of small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SbNETs) has improved with the advent of video capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). The data describing the efficacy of CE/DBE in the detection of SbNETs are scanty.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to review the current evidence on the role of DBE and CE in the diagnosis of SbNETs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed using the following keywords: "neuroendocrine tumors and enteroscopy/and capsule endoscopy" and "small bowel neuroendocrine tumors."
  
  
  RESULTS
  CE and DBE can be complementary and show a similar diagnostic yield. The number of false-negative results has not been established yet because of the "work-up bias" observed in the majority of the studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DBE and CE appear to be both safe and effective procedures useful in the diagnosis of SbNETs. Further studies are required to clarify their potential complications and relationship with other techniques, particularly nuclear imaging.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberta Elisa
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Conte
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy; Center for Prevention and Diagnosis of Celiac Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Elli
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy; Center for Prevention and Diagnosis of Celiac Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Branchi
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Massironi
keywords: Neuroendocrine tumors; capsule endoscopy; double-balloon enteroscopy; small bowel