Small Intestine Enteroscopy

f you have ongoing stomach or intestinal problems, your health care provider may recommend an enteroscopy. This is one of several endoscopy procedures used to examine the inside of your body and help diagnose or treat problems. 

This guide explains what enteroscopy is, why it’s done, how to prepare and what to expect before, during and after the procedure. 

What is an enteroscopy procedure?

Enteroscopy is a medical test that lets your doctor look closely at your small intestine (small bowel), which is part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The small intestine connects the stomach to the large intestine (colon) and plays a key role in digesting food and absorbing nutrients. It’s over 20 feet long but only about 1 inch wide, which can make it hard to reach. 

A gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in the digestive system) performs the test using a long, flexible tube with a light and camera at the tip, called an endoscope. Depending on what your provider needs to see, the tube may be passed through your mouth and throat (upper enteroscopy) or through your rectum (lower enteroscopy). 

In some cases, small tools are passed through the scope to: 

• Take a tissue sample (biopsy) 
• Remove growths (polyps) 
• Stop bleeding 
• Open blocked areas in your small intestine  

Why might I need an enteroscopy?

Your provider may recommend an enteroscopy to:

• Investigate symptoms: If you have ongoing symptoms such as abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, trouble eating, unexpected weight loss,long-lasting nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, an enteroscopy can help find the cause.
• Diagnose a condition: The procedure can help detect conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, inflammation or abnormal growths in the small intestine.
• Treat a condition: Your provider may use special tools attached to the scope to remove polyps, stop bleeding or open narrowed areas of the small intestine.  

Types of enteroscopy procedures

Different types of enteroscopy allow your provider to see more of the small intestine and treat problems as needed: 

Single balloon enteroscopy (SBE)

Uses a flexible tube with a small balloon at the tip. The balloon helps guide the tube deeper into the intestine. Your provider can pass tiny tools through the scope to take samples or perform treatments.  

Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE)

Also called balloon-assisted or push-and-pull enteroscopy. This method uses two balloons - one on the scope and one on a longer overtube - to move deeper into the small intestine. The balloons inflate and deflate in turns, allowing the bowel to “pleat” over the tube. 

Spiral enteroscopy

Uses a spiral-shaped sleeve over the endoscope that is rotated to help move the scope forward. This can be done by hand or with a motor. Motorized spiral enteroscopy is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Risks and complications of an enteroscopy

Enteroscopy is generally safe, but as with other endoscopy procedures, there are some risks. Rare complications include: 

• Bleeding after a biopsy or treatment 
• Reaction to sedative medication 
• A small tear or hole (perforation) in the throat, stomach or small intestine 
• Pancreatitis 
• Infection if equipment is not properly cleaned 

Your provider will review these risks with you before the procedure.  

How to prepare for an enteroscopy

Your provider will give you specific instructions, which may include: 

• Sign a consent form: Read carefully and ask questions before you sign. 
• Fast: Do not eat or drink for at least 6 to 8 hours before the test so your stomach is empty. 
• Adjust medications: Your provider may have you stop certain medicines - especially blood thinners - to reduce bleeding risk. Avoid antacids, aspirin and ibuprofen unless otherwise directed. 
• Arrange a ride home: You will be given sedation medicine, so you cannot drive afterward. 
• Share your medical history: Tell your provider about allergies, past reactions to medications, latex or tape sensitivity, and if you are pregnant or think you might be.

What to expect during an enteroscopy

An enteroscopy may be done in a hospital or outpatient center. The process usually includes: 

1. Changing into a gown and removing jewelry or accessories. 
2. Starting an intravenous (IV) line for sedation medicine. If you have an upper enteroscopy, your throat may be numbed. 
3. Lying on your left side while the lubricated endoscope is inserted through your mouth or rectum. You may feel pressure but no pain. 
4. Your provider using balloons or a spiral tool to guide the scope through your small intestine. 
5. The camera sending images to a monitor so your provider can examine the area. Tools may be used to take samples or perform treatment. 
6. The scope being removed when the exam is finished. 

The procedure typically lasts 45 minutes to 2 hours. 

Recovery after an enteroscopy

You will rest in a recovery area until the sedation wears off. You may feel groggy, have a sore throat, or notice mild bloating, gas or cramps - these usually improve within a day or two. 

Follow your provider’s instructions about eating, drinking and restarting medications. Your results may be shared immediately or at a follow-up visit, especially if a biopsy was done. 

When to call your provider

Call your provider right away if you have: 

• Fever or chills 
• Persistent abdominal pain 
• Vomiting blood or coughing up blood 
• Black or tarry stools 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• No bowel movement for 3 days after the procedure 

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have: 

• Sudden chest pain 
• Trouble breathing or swallowing 
• Sudden loss of consciousness 

What if results are abnormal?

If your provider finds inflammation, growths or other changes, they will explain what it means and recommend next steps. You may need more testing, treatment or follow-up care. 

Expert gastroenterology care at Banner Health

If you need an enteroscopy, Banner Health’s gastroenterology specialists are here to help. We offer advanced technology, experienced providers and a patient-focused environment to diagnose and treat digestive health conditions. 

Schedule your appointment today and get the answers you need to feel your best.