What is enteroscopy?
What is enteroscopy?
Enteroscopy is similar to gastroscopy but allows your doctor to examine a larger section of your intestinal tract. A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth into the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Tissue samples removed during enteroscopy are sent to the laboratory for examination.
Your doctor may recommend enteroscopy for various reasons.
This examination is most often performed to help diagnose conditions of the small intestine. This may be indicated if you have:
- Abnormal results on imaging tests
- Suspected tumor in the small intestine
- Unexplained diarrhea
- Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
After the procedure
Recovery
An enteroscopy can last 20 to 30 minutes. Abdominal cramps or bloating may occur during the first hour after the examination. Discharge instructions should be read carefully and followed.
Patients who develop any of these rare side effects should contact their doctor immediately:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Dizziness
- Weakness
