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Push enteroscopy; Double-balloon enteroscopy; Capsule enteroscopy DefinitionEnteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the small intestine (small bowel). How the Test is PerformedA thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth 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 a section of the small intestine. In a colonoscopy, a flexible tube is inserted through your rectum and colon. The tube can most often reach into the end part of the small intestine (ileum). Capsule endoscopy is done with a disposable capsule that you swallow. Tissue samples removed during enteroscopy are sent to the lab for examination. (Biopsies cannot be taken with a capsule endoscopy.) How to Prepare for the TestDo not take products containing aspirin for 1 week before the procedure. Tell your health care provider if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or apixaban (Eliquis) because these may interfere with the test. Do not stop taking any medicine unless told to do so by your provider. 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. How the Test will FeelYou will be given calming and sedating medicine for the procedure and will not feel any discomfort. You may have some bloating or cramping when you wake up. This is from air that is pumped into the abdomen to expand the area during the procedure. A capsule endoscopy causes no discomfort. Why the Test is PerformedThis test is most often performed to help diagnose diseases of the small intestines. It may be done if you have:
Normal ResultsIn a normal test result, the provider will not find sources of bleeding in the small bowel, and will not find any tumors or other abnormal tissue. What Abnormal Results MeanSigns may include:
Changes found on enteroscopy may be signs of disorders and conditions, including:
RisksComplications are rare but may include:
ConsiderationsFactors that prohibit use of this test may include:
The greatest risk is bleeding. Signs include: ReferencesMarcinkowski P, Fichera A. Management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. In: Cameron AM, Cameron JL, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:341-347. Rojas I, Barth B. Capsule endoscopy and small bowel enteroscopy. In: Wyllie R, Hyams JS, Kay M, eds. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 63. Sugumar A, Vargo JJ. Preparation for and complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier ; 2021:chap 42. Waterman M, Zurad EG, Gralnek IM. Video capsule endoscopy. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 93. | ||
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Review Date: 10/27/2021 Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | ||
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