Enteroscopy

An enteroscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that lets a healthcare provider take a closer look at the lining of your small intestine (small bowel). They use a long tube with a light and a camera at the end, called an enteroscope, to see it from the inside. The tool is specialized to go deeper into your gut than a traditional endoscope.

Why do I need enteroscopy?

Your provider may order an enteroscopy if they need a better look at the lining of your small intestine. They may do this if you have:

• Abnormal GI bleeding
• A possible tumor
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Unexplained severe diarrhea

Enteroscopy is also useful for immediate treatment. A provider can use an enteroscope to:

• Get samples of your small bowel (biopsy)
• Remove polyps, growths or foreign objects
• Treat bleeding in your small intestine
• Open up (dilate) an unusually tight space in your bowel

What are the different types of enteroscopy?

The types of enteroscopy depend on two factors. The first is where it starts. For a lower enteroscopy, the scope goes through your anus (bottom) and rectum and moves upward. For an upper enteroscopy, a provider inserts the scope through your mouth and throat to go downward.

The other factor is the way the scope moves farther into your small intestine. These types include:

• Push enteroscopy: This scope is longer than a normal scope to simply push deeper past your stomach into your intestine.
• Single balloon: This scope has one tiny balloon at the end to help push it along deeper into your intestine than a simple push enteroscopy.
• Double balloon: The scope has two tiny balloons that take turns inflating and deflating to get as deep into your intestine as possible. This is also called a push-and-pull enteroscopy.

Benefits and risks of enteroscopy

Generally, enteroscopy is a safe procedure. It allows providers to look at the inside of your small intestine and possibly treat a symptom immediately. But there are some risks, like:

• Complications from anesthesia
• Internal bleeding
• GI tears (perforations)
• Bacteria infecting the biopsy site and getting in your bloodstream (bacteremia)
• Aspiration or pneumonia during the procedure
• Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)

How does enteroscopy work?

First, your healthcare provider will give you instructions to prepare for your enteroscopy. You’ll likely have to:

• Stop eating or drinking the night before the procedure.
• Do a bowel prep to clear out your digestive system.
• Temporarily stop certain medications, like blood thinners.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home.

What happens during enteroscopy?

During enteroscopy, your provider will:

1. Give you anesthesia or sedatives to relax you or make you fall asleep.
2. Numb your throat if you’re getting an upper enteroscopy.
3. Insert the scope and advance it farther.
4. Project a video feed from the scope onto a screen.
5. Take pictures and record video as needed for later.
6. Treat you when appropriate (such as by opening a narrowed passageway) or take a biopsy if needed.

This process can take between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on your situation and the type of enteroscopy you need.

What happens after enteroscopy

Enteroscopy is an outpatient procedure. Once the anesthesia or sedatives wear off, you’ll go home the same day.

You may have some mild side effects, like:

• Feeling of fullness or bloating in your belly
• Mild abdominal cramping
• Minor bleeding
• Nausea
• Sore throat

What do enteroscopy results look like?

Normal enteroscopy results mean that your provider didn’t find anything unusual in your small bowel. If they do, they’ll go over it when they discuss your results. Your provider may schedule a follow-up appointment or call you within the next few days to review results with you and recommend next steps.

When should I call my doctor?

If you had an enteroscopy, seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• A lot of blood in your poop
• Fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Abnormally swollen or hard belly
• Vomiting