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Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera and light on the end of it. This instrument is called an endoscope. Small instruments can be inserted through an endoscope and used to:Look more closely at an area inside the bodyTake samples of abnormal tissues (biopsy)Treat certain diseasesRemove...

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The Basics

Tests for Small bowel endoscopy

A Closer Look

Crohn disease (Alternative Medicine)

Small bowel obstruction - x-ray

X-rays of the abdomen are important in diagnosing the presence of small bowel obstruction. When obstruction occurs, both fluid and gas collect in the intestine. They produce a characteristic pattern called "air-fluid levels". The air rises above the fluid and there is a flat surface at the "air-fluid" interface.

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Inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn disease, also called regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestines which is usually confined to the terminal portion of the small intestine, the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. These and other IBDs (inflammatory bowel disease) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

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Small intestine tissue sample

A sample of small intestine is obtained by the use of a flexible scope that is passed through the digestive tract to the small intestine. In the small intestine, a small sample is removed and placed on a microscope slide. The sample is stained and sectioned (sliced) for histological (tissue) examination. The test is performed to diagnose an infection or parasitic infestation of the small bowel.

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Small intestine biopsy

Small bowel biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a portion of the small bowel lining is removed for examination. A flexible fiberoptic or video tube (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth or nose and into the upper gastrointestinal tract where a tissue sample is removed. This test is most often performed to help diagnose diseases of the small intestines.

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Small intestine contrast injection

Enteroclysis is a test performed to examine the small bowel. A tube is placed down the nose and throat, through the stomach into the small intestine. When in place, contrast dye is introduced and x-ray images are viewed on a fluoroscopic monitor to visualize how the contrast moves through the bowel structures. The enteroclysis test is the most complete means of demonstrating whether or not the small intestine is normal when abnormality is suspected.

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Capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a test procedure in which a camera inside a small capsule takes pictures of the lining of your digestive system. The capsule is about the size of a large vitamin pill. After swallowing it, the capsule travels the length of your digestive system and transmits images to a wearable recorder.

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Before and after small intestine anastomosis

In all cases of intestinal obstruction, the intestine involved is carefully examined. If any parts of the intestine look unhealthy from lack of blood flow during the period of obstruction, they are removed and the healthy ends are reconnected. A patient's recovery depends on the cause of the intestinal obstruction and the length of time prior to relief of the obstruction. The outcome is usually good if the obstruction is treated before damage (ischemia) or death (necrosis) of the bowel occurs.

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Small bowel resection - series

Presentation

<strong>Indications</strong><p>Resection of the small bowel may be recommended for Blockage of the intestine (intestinal obstruction) due to scar tissue or deformities; Bleeding, infection, or ulcers due to inflammation of the small intestine (regional ileitis, regional enteritis, Crohn's disease); Injuries; Cancer; Precancerous polyps.
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<strong>Incision</strong><p>The patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). An incision is made into the abdomen.</p>

<strong>Procedure</strong><p>The diseased part of the small intestine (ileum) is removed. The two healthy ends are then sewn back together and the incision is closed. If it is necessary to spare the intestine from its normal digestive work while it heals, a temporary opening (stoma) of the intestine onto the abdomen (ileostomy) may be done. A temporary ileostomy will be closed and repaired later. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, the ileostomy may be permanent. The ileum absorbs much of the fluid from foods. When the large intestine is bypassed by an ileostomy, the patient should expect liquid stool (feces). The constant or frequent drainage of liquid stool can cause the skin around the ileostomy to become inflamed. Careful skin care and a well-fitting ileostomy bag can reduce this irritation.</p>

<strong>Aftercare</strong><p>The outcome depends on the disease. Most patients will stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery from surgery may take 2 months. During the first few days after surgery, eating is restricted.</p>

Inflammatory bowel disease - series

Presentation

<strong>Indications</strong><p>Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition in which the innner lining of the GI tract becomes inflamed, leading to ulcers and bleeding. The colon is most often the site of this inflammation. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have symptoms that include diarrhea, abdominal pain, infections, and bleeding. Inflammatory bowel disease falls under two main headings Crohn's disease, which involves the entire GI tract, and ulcerative colitis, which involves only the colon. The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is unknown.</p>

<strong>Incision</strong><p>The primary treatment for inflammatory bowel disease involves medications, such as steroids, which can decrease inflammation and resolve symptoms. Occasionally, if segments of bowel are very inflamed and are not responding to medication, surgery to remove these segments may be necessary. While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the midline of the abdomen.</p>

<strong>Procedure</strong><p>The inflamed segment of the colon or small intestine is removed and the healthy ends are sewn back together.</p>

<strong>Aftercare</strong><p>The removal of one section does not preclude recurrence of symptoms in other areas of the intestine. The course of inflammatory bowel disease is often variable. Some patients experience only mild symptoms, while others have more debilitating symptoms.</p>

Large bowel resection - series

Presentation

<strong>Indications</strong><p>Bowel resection may be indicated for blockage of the intestine (intestinal obstruction) due to scar tissue or tumors, bleeding, due to diverticulosis or arteriovenous malformations, injuries, cancer, precancerous polyps, familial polyposis, and infection, due to diverticulitis.</p>

<strong>Incision</strong><p>The patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). A lower midline incision is made in the abdomen. Sometimes, the surgeon will use a lateral lower transverse incision instead.</p>

<strong>Procedure, part 1</strong><p>The diseased part of the large intestine (colon) is removed. The two healthy ends are then sewn or stapled back together and the incision is closed. A stapling procedure is shown here.</p>

<strong>Procedure, part 2</strong><p>If it is necessary to spare the intestine from its normal digestive work while it heals, a temporary opening of the intestine onto the abdomen (colostomy) may be done. A temporary colostomy will be closed and repaired later. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, the colostomy may be permanent. The large intestine (colon) absorbs most of the fluid from foods. When the colon is bypassed by a colostomy in the right colon, the colostomy output is generally liquid stool (feces). If the colon is bypassed in the left colon, the colostomy output is generally more solid stool. The constant or frequent drainage of liquid stool can cause the skin around the colostomy to become inflamed. Careful skin care and a well-fitting colostomy bag can reduce this irritation.</p>

<strong>Aftercare</strong><p>Most patients will stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Complete recovery from surgery may take 2 months. During the first few days after surgery, eating is restricted.</p>

Review Date: 5/3/2023+

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