What is a small bowel enteroscopy?
A small bowel enteroscopy (also called a small bowel endoscopy) is an exam used to evaluate gastrointestinal bleeding, small bowel tumors, polyps, or other small bowel diseases. During the test, your provider will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first portion of the small bowel) and jejunum (the middle portion of the small bowel). A small bowel enteroscopy may also be used to treat various conditions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as abnormal growths or bleeding. If you are in need of diagnostic testing for GI conditions in Phoenix, AZ, then the small bowel enteroscopy may be recommended to you. Please contact Arizona Digestive Health to request a consultation.
How does a small bowel enteroscopy work?
You will be provided with preparation instructions prior to the small bowel enteroscopy in Phoenix, AZ. Please follow them carefully. To begin the exam, a catheter for intravenous (IV) medicine will administer sedation to ensure you are relaxed. Some patients will be given deep sedation where they are completely asleep. Your provider will then insert the endoscope into the mouth and advance it through the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and jejunum. If awake you may experience a sensation of pressure and fullness. Should your provider find any growths or abnormalities during the procedure, the endoscope can be used to remove, or biopsy, the abnormal tissue. You should not experience pain during abnormal tissue removal. If you have further questions about the small bowel enteroscopy process, please talk to your provider at Arizona Digestive Health.
What are the risks of small bowel enteroscopy?
Generally, the small bowel enteroscopy is considered very safe and low risk. A possible complication may be perforation of the small bowel wall, which could allow leakage of intestinal fluids. This complication would require surgery to correct. Bleeding may occur at any biopsy or polyp removal site, but this can typically cease on its own or be controlled with cauterization through the endoscope. Transfusions or surgery are rarely necessary. There may be some irritation on the vein used for IV medication or reactions to medication even with a careful review of a patient’s medical history. As with any other test, the small bowel enteroscopy may miss some pathology that could lead to errors in diagnosis. If you have further questions about the risks of small bowel enteroscopy in Phoenix, AZ, please discuss them with your Arizona Digestive Health provider.
