The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, announced that with an investment of €1.5 million, a new Double Balloon Enteroscopy service is being introduced at Mater Dei Hospital.

Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE) is an advanced endoscopic technique that allows professionals to examine the small intestine, which is inaccessible with traditional endoscopy. This modern technique is mainly used to investigate unexplained gastrointestinal hemorrhages. It is a technique that can identify and treat the source of the hemorrhage. 

Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained how this investment, apart from avoiding the need for complex surgeries, will improve the quality of life of Maltese and Gozitan patients without the need for them to travel abroad. He explained that DBE also has an important role in the diagnosis and management of small intestine conditions such as Crohn's disease, tumours, and complications related to coeliac disease.

"This is not only an important step forward for the health services in our country, but also an important step in our work for the individual. I look forward to further developments, which are only possible thanks to our country's strong economy," concluded Abela.

 For his part, Prof. Edward Despott said that this equipment will help patients who have problems or diseases of the small or large intestine. "I am satisfied that this investment is now being introduced at Mater Dei and it will be important for the care given to Maltese patients," concluded Prof. Despott.