Enteroscopy in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is an enteroscopy?
An enteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure where an extended, thin, limber scope, or tube, is inserted into the mouth and progressed to the jejunum, the second portion of the small intestine. Our scope has a camera and light on the end of it which allows your provider to examine the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. An enteroscopy procedure may be utilized to determine the cause of gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or unusual x-ray results. If it's been suggested for you get an enteroscopy, you can contact our team of talented GI specialists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas for more information. Our providers often perform enteroscopies for Dallas, TX individuals and offer the care you need to manage your digestive health.
Why is an enteroscopy performed?
An enteroscopy is most commonly used to identify irregularities or disorders in the small bowel. Symptoms of such abnormalities could include:
- Unexplained diarrhea
- Abnormal tumors or growths in the small bowel
- Unexplained bleeding
- Unusual x-ray results
Generally, other exam options will largely depend on the overall reason for having to have the enteroscopy procedure in the first place. In most patients, enteroscopy is the wisest way to discover and address abnormalities in the upper GI tract, especially if they concern the jejunum (the second portion of the small intestine). However, an x-ray image referred to as the upper GI/small bowel follow-through can assess your upper GI tract, as well. This is, though, only a diagnostic method. Treatment of these findings will require an enteroscopy and/or a surgical procedure.
To determine if having an enteroscopy in Dallas, TX is the best diagnostic choice for your GI symptoms or to discuss other possible options, please contact one of our highly skilled Digestive Health Associates of Texas providers in an area near you.
What can I expect the day prior to my enteroscopy?
Before your enteroscopy, you will be given instructions from your Digestive Health Associates of Texas provider informing you of the needed prep. Most individuals will likely be able to eat normally the day leading up to their procedure. Patients will be required not to consume anything by mouth after midnight aside from medications. It is imperative to adhere to the requirements given to you by your doctor. There will also be additional instructions regarding your medications. In many instances, your medications will be continued as usual. However, in select circumstances, especially in those who take blood thinners and who are diabetic, special instructions will be given.
What happens during my enteroscopy?
You will be asked to arrive at the endoscopy facility 1 –1.5 hours prior to your enteroscopy procedure. This ensures you're able to complete paperwork and prepare for the procedure. We will have you change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm so that sedation can be given to you. You will be connected to a system that will allow the providers to monitor your heart rate, pulse, oxygen levels, and much more while you're in our care.
Once settled in your exam room, you will be asked to lie down on your left side on our procedure bed. The IV will then begin. Small amounts are given at a time to make sure that you do not have a reaction to the sedation and to give you only the amount that you need individually. Once an adequate amount of medication is reached, the endoscope will be gently inserted into your mouth. We will carefully advance the scope through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A small amount of air will be injected through the scope into the GI tract to help the physician see. Any remaining fluid in the upper gastrointestinal tract is removed through the scope. Based on the outcome of the exam, a number of things can be conducted at the time of the procedure including removal of polyps, biopsies, and control of bleeding. Once we're done with your procedure, the remaining air and fluid are drawn out via the scope. Based on what we find, the exam takes between 15 – 45 minutes.
After the exam, you will be taken to recovery to be observed while the sedation wears off. The amount of IV sedation given during your enteroscopy and your individual reaction to the medication will determine how quickly you wake up, though most patients are awake enough to be released after about 45 – 60 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive for the remainder of the day, so you will need to arrange for a ride home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign official documents, or perform strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Most patients are capable of eating and drinking as they normally would after being released from the endoscopy unit, however, guidelines about activities, eating, and medications will be provided before discharge.
After the enteroscopy procedure, your Digestive Health Associates of Texas team will review the outcome of your procedure with you. A number of individuals will struggle to remember what they are told after the exam due to the effects of the medication. We recommend, if possible, to bring someone with you for these results. You will also go home with a report. You will be informed of any biopsy results after about seven days.
What are the risks of an enteroscopy?
Generally, the enteroscopy is a safe process. Typically, challenges happen in fewer than 1% of patients. Many complications are not life-threatening, however, if an issue does occur, hospitalization or surgery may be necessary. Prior to the exam, a consent form will be reviewed with the patient by the nursing staff. Should any questions or concerns arise, these can be talked through with your GI provider before the procedure.
Reactions due to sedation might occur. These could include but are not limited to difficulty breathing, effects on your heart and blood pressure, allergic reactions, and irritation of the vein that received the medication. Bleeding could happen with the removal of polyps, biopsies, and with dilating strictures. Again, bleeding, which would result in a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is uncommon. Perforation or puncture of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine can occur. We might recognize this at the time of the exam, or it might not be evident for several hours. In many cases, the perforation will require surgery or a hospital stay. This is not likely, even when biopsies are taken or dilation is performed. It is very important to contact your Dallas, TX provider right away if symptoms arise after your procedure which may include bleeding, abdominal pain, or fever.
As is the case with any other test, enteroscopy is not without imperfections. There is a minor, acknowledged chance that abnormal conditions, including cancers, can be missed during the exam. It is critical to follow up with your provider as advised and inform them of any new or recurrent issues.›
Improve your GI health
An enteroscopy is an effective endoscopic procedure that is used to identify the cause of GI symptoms and review abnormal x-ray results. If you have been told you require an enteroscopy exam, you can rely on our GI specialists. As a physician-led group of gastroenterologists, Digestive Health Associates of Texas strives to offer superior patient-centric care to enhance your GI tract health. To find a provider who offers enteroscopy procedures in Dallas, TX, please get in touch with a Digestive Health Associates of Texas location in your area to request a consultation.
Enteroscopy FAQs
What should I avoid after my enteroscopy?
After your enteroscopy, refrain from eating or drinking until your doctor tells you it is okay to do so, and strictly follow any medication instructions provided. Additionally, avoid engaging in strenuous physical activity. Contact us immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent bleeding, or fever.
Who is not a good candidate for enteroscopy?
Enteroscopy might not be recommended for people with particular medical conditions or risk factors that could lead to complications. Due to the sedation and the procedure itself, individuals with severe heart or lung disease, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or recent heart attacks may be at higher risk. Additionally, those with anatomical abnormalities or strictures in the digestive tract might be advised against it. It's important to consult your healthcare provider about any health conditions or concerns to decide if an enteroscopy is right for you.
What makes an endoscopy and enteroscopy different?
The main difference between endoscopy and enteroscopy lies in the regions of the digestive tract they explore. Both procedures involve a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope), but endoscopy typically examines the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. On the other hand, enteroscopy is aimed at visualizing the small intestine, which is deeper and more difficult to access within the digestive system. Enteroscopy is often performed when other diagnostic methods like endoscopy or colonoscopy haven't provided clear results or when a problem in the small intestine is suspected.
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