What is Small Bowel Enteroscopy?
A small bowel enteroscopy is a test performed to evaluate gastrointestinal bleeding, small bowel tumors, polyps, or other small bowel diseases. During the procedure, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first portion of the small bowel) and jejunum (the middle portion of the small bowel). If growths or other abnormalities are found during the procedure, the doctor may remove the abnormal tissue for further examination, or biopsy. A small bowel enteroscopy may also be used to treat various conditions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as abnormal growths or bleeding.
What happens during a small bowel enteroscopy?
Plan to spend up to two hours at the endoscopy center the day of your procedure. The exam itself takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Before the exam:
Your medical history will be reviewed with you by your health care team including a nurse, your gastroenterology physician and an anesthesia provider. An IV line will be placed.
During the exam:
During your procedure, the anesthesia provider will administer medications and monitor vital signs which is a process known as Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC). While most patients sleep through the procedure, some remain awake and aware. The anesthesiologist and/or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) will help determine the appropriate type of drug to be used during the procedure to keep you safe and comfortable. The doctor will insert a flexible tube called an endoscope into your mouth and will advance it slowly through the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and jejunum. If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor may remove it through the endoscope for closer examination, or biopsy. Tissue removal is painless.
What happens after the exam?
The physician will talk with you about the initial results of your procedure and will prepare a full report for the healthcare provider who referred you for your upper endoscopy. You may have some bloating after the procedure which is normal. Your throat may feel sore for a short time. Any tissue samples or polyps removed during the procedure will be sent to a lab for evaluation. It may take 5-7 working days for you to be notified of the results by mail or through the Patient Portal.
You may resume most of your regular activities the day after the procedure. However, medication given during the procedure will prohibit you from driving for the rest of the day. You may resume your normal diet, but alcohol should be avoided until the next day after your procedure.
Are there possible complications from a small bowel enteroscopy?
Although serious complications are rare, any medical procedure has the potential for risks. Risks from an upper endoscopy include perforation, or a tear, of the lining of the stomach or esophagus, stomach or small bowel, bleeding from a biopsy site, reactions to medications, heart and lung problems, dental or eye injuries.
Results from any testing will be sent via mail or sent to the Patient Portal.
