The procedure allows a physician to find and treat problems in the digestive tract without surgery.
This article explains the purpose of an enteroscopy as well as the risks.
Purpose of Test
A surgeon, gastroenterologist, or other trained healthcare professional can perform an enteroscopy.
Verywell / JR Bee
The tool is inserted through the patient’s mouth and down the esophagus.
Sometimes, these tests fail to reveal a reason for a symptom (such as bleeding).
The enteroscopy serves as the next step.
The Food and Drug Administration approved it in 2001.
Previously, the small bowelall 20 feet of itwas inaccessible to gastrointestinal specialists.
There are some adverse effects that may occur after the test.
Before the Test
Your healthcare provider will provide instructions about how to prepare for the test.
Understandably, many patients have questions about the procedure.
So don’t be shyand try not to be nervous.
An enteroscopy takes about 30 minutes, give or take.
But the entire procedure, including time for sedation or anesthesia and recovery, could last about two hours.
This includes a consent form.
You will be called back into the prep and recovery area to get ready for the test.
Then the physician will insert the endoscope into your mouth and slowly move it down into the small intestine.
Your physician may come by to discuss the initial results of the enteroscopy, depending on how you feel.
Count on scheduling a follow-up appointment to go over the results in greater detail.
You may stay in the recovery area for a few hours following the procedure.
They will give you instructions to follow once you’re home.
But in general, its recommended to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day.
Most people are able to eat soft foods later the same day.
It largely depends on their appetite.
It’s a good idea to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting until you feel like yourself again.
Many patients are able to resume their normal activitiesincluding returning to workthe day after their enteroscopy.
Managing Side Effects
You may find a small amount of blood in your stool after the enteroscopy.
More likely, you will feel bloated.
These are normal side effects and nothing to worry about.
If there was a need for a biopsy, the results may take several days.
In the meantime, give a shot to relaxand remember that your medical team is there to support you.
If the results of your test are inconclusive, your healthcare provider may order a lower enteroscopy.
For this test, the endoscope is inserted into the rectum to view the lower gastrointestinal tract.
This test, too, allows for the removal of a tissue sample for further analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
An enteroscopy is a jot down of endoscopy.
An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a camera to look inside the body.
“Enteroscopy” refers to a bowel endoscopy (since “entero” means “intestine”).
Not for an upper enteroscopy.
In most cases, you must stop eating solid foods eight hours before the procedure.
It refers to where the endoscope is inserted.
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