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, the physician 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). A small bowel enteroscopy may also be used to treat various conditions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as abnormal growths or bleeding. Preparation for the Exam The preparation for this exam is relatively simple. 

What to Expect During the Exam

 A small catheter for intravenous (IV) medicines will deliver sedating medicine that will make you relaxed and sleepy. For some patients, deep sedation, where the patient is completely asleep, is utilized. Your physician will insert a flexible tube, called an endoscope, into your mouth and will advance it slowly through the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and jejunum. You may have a feeling of pressure or fullness. If growths or other abnormalities are found during the procedure, your physician may remove, or biopsy, the abnormal tissue for further examination. Removal of this tissue is painless.