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Enteroscopy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Small intestine biopsy
Small intestine biopsy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Small bowel biopsy; Push enteroscopy; Double-balloon enteroscopy; Capsule enteroscopy; Sonde enteroscopy

Definition    Return to top

Enteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the small intestine (small bowel).

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the upper gastrointestinal tract. During a double-balloon enteroscopy, balloons attached to the endoscope can be inflated to allow the doctor to view the entire small bowel.

In a colonoscopy, a flexible tube is inserted through your rectum, through the colon, and into the end part of the small intestine.

Tissue samples removed during enteroscopy are sent to the laboratory for examination.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Do not take products containing aspirin for one week before the procedure. If you take blood thinners such as coumadin (Warfarin), ask your doctor about stopping them as well.

Do not eat any solid foods or milk products after midnight the day of your procedure. You may have clear liquids until 4 hours before your exam. You must sign a consent form.

For infants and children, the preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

When the tube is put into your mouth and down your food pipe, you may feel like gagging. You will get a numbing medicine to reduce this feeling.

You may get a mild sedative, but only in small doses because you must stay alert enough to help with the procedure (by doing such things as swallowing and turning). The biopsy sampling causes little or no pain, although you may have some mild cramping.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test is most often performed to help diagnose diseases of the small intestines. It may be done if you have:

Normal Results    Return to top

In a normal test result, the health care provider will not find sources of bleeding in the small bowel, and will not find any tumors or other abnormal tissue.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Abnormal findings may include:

Changes found on enteroscopy may be signs of disorders and conditions including:

The test may also be performed for lactose intolerance.

Risks    Return to top

Complications are rare but may include:

Considerations    Return to top

Factors that prohibit use of this test may include:

The greatest risk is bleeding. Signs include:

References    Return to top

Sidhu R, Sanders DS, Morris AJ, McAlindon ME. Guidelines on small bowel enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy in adults. Gut. 2008;57:125-136.

Update Date: 2/29/2008

Updated by: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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