An Enteroscopy Is A Medical Procedure Used To Examine The Small Intestine. It Is Performed Using A Long, Flexible Tube With A Camera And Light At Its Tip, Called An Endoscope. There Are Two Main Types Of Enteroscopy:
Upper Enteroscopy (or Push Enteroscopy): In This Procedure, The Endoscope Is Passed Through The Mouth And Into The Upper Part Of The Small Intestine (duodenum). It Is Used To Examine The Upper Portion Of The Small Intestine, Including The Duodenum And Sometimes The Jejunum.
Double-balloon Enteroscopy: This Procedure Uses An Endoscope With Two Balloons, One At The Tip And One Near The Base. The Balloons Are Inflated And Deflated To Help Advance The Endoscope Through The Small Intestine. This Allows For A More Thorough Examination Of The Entire Small Intestine.
Enteroscopy Offers Several Advantages For Diagnosing And Treating Conditions Of The Small Intestine:
Direct Visualization:
Enteroscopy Provides Direct Visibility Of The Small Intestine, Which May Help In The Detection Of Abnormalities Such As Tumors, Ulcers, Bleeding Sites, And Inflammation.
Biopsy:
During An Enteroscopy, Tissue Samples (biopsies) From The Small Intestine Can Be Obtained. These Samples Can Be Studied Under A Microscope To Detect Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, And Cancer.
Treatment:
Enteroscopy Can Be Used To Treat Certain Small Intestinal Disorders. Polyps Can Be Removed, Bleeding Sites Cauterized Or Medicated, And Strictures (narrowed Areas) Dilated.
Expanded Reach:
Double-balloon Enteroscopy, In Particular, Provides For The Study Of A Greater Portion Of The Small Intestine Than Other Imaging Tests Like CT Scans Or MRIs.
Minimally Invasive:
Enteroscopy Is A Minimally Invasive Procedure That Involves Inserting A Flexible Tube Into The Mouth (upper Enteroscopy) Or The Anus (lower Enteroscopy). This Can Result In Quicker Recovery Times And A Lower Risk Of Problems Than Traditional Surgery.
Diagnostic Accuracy:
Enteroscopy Is A Highly Accurate Diagnostic Tool For Small Intestinal Problems, Typically Outperforming Conventional Imaging Techniques.
