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Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is performed to investigate numerous gastrointestinal issues, such as:

  • Bleeding – Obscue gastrointestinal bleeding may be due to an iron deficiency, blood in the fecal matter, or visible bleeding
  • Crohn’s Disease – An enterescopy is often used to diagnose a patient who is suspected to have Crohn’s disease. Symtpoms of Crohn’s may include:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Diarrhea
    • Fever
    • Elevated white blood cell count
    • Weight loss
    • Bleeding
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Celiac Disease
  • Small Bowel Tumors
  • Polyposis Syndromes – This is a hereditary condition that an enteroscopy is used to detect
If growths or abnormalities are discovered during the procedure, your gastroenterologist may choose to remove the abnormal tissue for further examination. This procedure may also be sued to treat various conditions of the upper GI tract.
Small bowel enteroscopy, also referred to as double-balloon enteroscopy, is a common procedure that uses a long, flexible tube to navigate the entire small bowel. This tube has a miniature video camera attached to it, allowing your Arlington gastroenterologist to look at the esophagus, stomach, and three to six feet of the small intestine. During this examination an enterscope is used, which is about five feet long and has a flexible plastic tube with a balloon at its tip. This instrument works to inflate and deflate the balloons as needed, allowing your gastroenterologist to advance it as far into the small bowel as necessary.

Before the Procedure

Before the enteroscopy is performed you will be asked your medical history and will need to provide your Arlington gastroenterologist with a list of all medications or supplements you take. Having an empty stomach will allow for the best and safest examination, which means patients should have nothing to eat or drink for roughly 12 hours before the enteroscopy. It is also important for you to arrange a ride after the procedure because of the sedative you will be given.

During the Procedure

All enteroscopy patients will be given medication through an IV line to help relax and feel drowsy. This will allow your gastroenterologist to safely and gently insert the endoscope into the mouth. It is completely normal to experience a feeling or pressure or fullness during the procedure. If abnormal tissue is found, your doctor may remove it through the endoscope for closer examination.