What is Enteroscopy?

Enteroscopy is a procedure that helps your doctor find and treat problems in the digestive system. During an enteroscopy, your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with an attached camera into your body. This is called an endoscope. There are usually one or two balloons attached to the endoscope. The balloons can be inflated to help your doctor get a closer view of your esophagus, stomach, and a section of the small intestine. Your doctor may use forceps or scissors on the endoscope to remove a tissue sample for analysis.

Enteroscopy is also known as a:

• double balloon enteroscopy
• double bubble
• capsule enteroscopy
• push-and-pull enteroscopy

The two types of enteroscopy are upper and lower. In an upper enteroscopy, the endoscope is inserted into the mouth. In a lower enteroscopy, the endoscope is inserted into the rectum. The type of enteroscopy performed will depend on the type of problem the doctor is trying to diagnose. Your doctor will let you know in advance which type you need.

Why Is Enteroscopy Performed?

Enteroscopy makes it possible to diagnose or evaluate diseases within the body without making an incision. It’s commonly used to detect problems in the small intestine or stomach. Your doctor may recommend enteroscopy if you have any of the following:

• a high white blood cell count
• tumors in the small intestine
• blocked bowel passages
• abnormal gastrointestinal bleeding
• intestinal damage from radiation treatment
• unexplained severe diarrhea
• unexplained malnutrition
• abnormal X-ray results

How Do I Prepare for Enteroscopy?

Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Make sure to follow them carefully. You may need to:

• stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications
• avoid solid foods and milk after 10 p.m. the night before the procedure
• only drink clear liquids the day of the procedure
• avoid all liquids for at least four hours before the procedure

How Is Enteroscopy Performed?

An enteroscopy is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can go home the same day as the procedure. It usually takes between 45 minutes and two hours to complete.

Depending on the type enteroscopy being performed, your doctor will either fully sedate you or give you medicine to help you relax. These medications will be administered through a vein in your arm.

During the procedure, your doctor will record a video or take pictures. These can be reviewed in more detail after the procedure is done. Your doctor may also take tissue samples or remove existing tumors. The removal of any tissue or tumor won’t cause any pain.

Depending on the type of problem you’re having, your doctor will perform either an upper enteroscopy or a lower enteroscopy. An upper enteroscopy allows your doctor to view and treat the upper part of the digestive system. A lower enteroscopy allows your doctor to view and treat the lower part.

Upper Enteroscopy

After numbing the throat, your doctor will insert an endoscope into your mouth and gradually ease it through your esophagus and down into your stomach and upper digestive tract. You may have a feeling of pressure or fullness during this part of the procedure.