Enteroscopy in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is an enteroscopy procedure?
The enteroscopy procedure is an endoscopic procedure in which a lengthy, thin, limber scope is inserted into your mouth and propelled to the jejunum, the second portion of the small intestine. The scope has a light and a camera at the end, which allows our GI specialist to clearly see the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. An enteroscopy might be suggested to identify the reason for GI symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or unusual x-ray results. If you need an enteroscopy, contact one of our knowledgable GI specialists at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology to learn more. Our providers routinely conduct enteroscopy procedures for Indianapolis, IN patients and can help you improve your digestive health.
Why is an enteroscopy performed?
An enteroscopy is typically used to distinguish abnormalities or conditions in the small bowel. Symptoms of such conditions might involve:
- Bleeding
- Unexplained diarrhea
- Unusual x-ray results
- Abnormal tumors or growths in the small intestine
To a certain extent, other exam options will largely depend on the reason for having to undergo the enteroscopy procedure in the first place. In a variety of patients, enteroscopy is the most effective way to discover and manage abnormalities in the upper GI tract, particularly if they impact the jejunum (the second portion of the small intestine). However, an x-ray image known as the upper GI/small bowel follow-through can assess your upper GI tract, too. This is, though, only a diagnostic tool. Treating abnormalities will necessitate an enteroscopy and/or a surgical procedure.
What can I expect the day prior to my enteroscopy procedure?
Before your enteroscopy, you will be given orders from your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology GI specialist about the necessary prep. Most individuals will most likely be able to eat like normal the day leading up to the procedure. You will be required not to eat or drink anything after midnight aside from medications. It is important to adhere to the requirements provided by our team. There will also be further instructions about your medications. In most instances, your medications can continue as instructed. However, in certain patients, particularly in individuals on anticoagulants and who are diabetic, specific guidelines will be provided.
What happens during my enteroscopy?
You will need to enter the endoscopy facility 1 to 1.5 hours ahead of your enteroscopy procedure. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and get prepped. We will have you change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your arm so that sedation can be given to you. You will be connected to a system that will enable our providers to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during and after the exam.
Once settled in your exam room, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the exam table. The IV sedation will be started. We'll give it to you in small amounts at a time to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction to the sedation and to give you only the amount that you need individually. Once the correct amount of medication is reached, the endoscope will be gently introduced into your mouth. The scope will be carefully advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A bit of air will be injected through the scope into your gastrointestinal (GI) tract to help the physician see. Any fluid remaining in your upper gastrointestinal tract is removed through the scope. Depending on the results of your procedure, several things can be performed at the time of the procedure including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. Once we're done with your procedure, air the remaining fluid is drawn out via the scope. Depending on the findings, the exam often takes somewhere between 15 – 45 minutes.
Once the exam is done, you will be escorted to recovery to be observed while the sedation starts to wear off. The amount of sedation given during your exam and your particular reaction to the sedation will dictate how fast you wake up, though many patients are awake enough to be released within 45 – 60 minutes. You cannot drive for the rest of the day; therefore, you will need to have someone take you home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign official papers, or perform arduous activities for the remaining day. Many of our patients are capable of eating and drinking normally after being discharged from the endoscopy unit, however, instructions about activities, medications, and eating will be reviewed prior to discharge.
Following your enteroscopy procedure, your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology team will discuss the results of your procedure with you. Most people will struggle to remember what they are told after the exam because of the effects of the sedation. We recommend, if possible, to bring someone with you who can lend a second pair of ears. You will also go home with a report. You will be given any biopsy results usually within one week.
Is an enteroscopy risky?
Generally, an enteroscopy is a very safe exam. Overall, setbacks are seen in only about 1% of patients. The majority of issues are not life-threatening, however, if a problem occurs, it may necessitate hospitalization and surgery. Prior to the exam, a consent form will be reviewed with the patient by the nursing staff. If any questions or concerns pop up, these can be discussed with your GI provider before your procedure.
Reactions as a result of sedation might happen. These might include but are not limited to allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, effects on the heart and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein used to give the medication. Bleeding may occur with biopsies, removal of polyps, and with dilating strictures. Again, significant bleeding, resulting in hospitalization or a blood transfusion, is unlikely. Perforation or trauma of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine might happen, although unlikely. We might recognize this during the exam, or it might not be evident for several hours. In many cases, this will result in surgery and a hospital stay. This is an uncommon complication, even when dilation is performed and biopsies are taken. It is very important that the patient call our Indianapolis, IN office promptly should symptoms occur after the procedure like worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Like any other test, enteroscopy is not flawless. There is a small, acknowledged risk that abnormal concerns, including cancers, can be undiagnosed at the time of the procedure. It is crucial to routinely follow up with your physician as instructed and inform them of any new or issues.
Diagnostic tools for better GI health
An enteroscopy is a safe and effective endoscopic process that is used to identify the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms and review atypical x-ray results. If you require an enteroscopy exam, you can count on our experienced specialists. As a physician-led group of GI specialists, Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology aim to deliver superior patient-centric care to protect your GI tract health. To partner with a provider who offers enteroscopy in Indianapolis, IN please reach out to an Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology location in your area.
Enteroscopy FAQs
Are there any restrictions following an enteroscopy?
It is important to avoid eating or drinking after undergoing an enteroscopy until your doctor says it's safe. You should also adhere to any specific medication instructions provided. Avoid engaging in heavy physical activity, and be sure to contact your healthcare provider if you encounter any severe abdominal pain, ongoing bleeding, or fever.
Who might be advised against having an enteroscopy?
Enteroscopy might not be suitable for individuals with certain health issues that heighten the risk of complications during the procedure. This includes those with severe cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or those who have recently suffered a heart attack. People with structural abnormalities or narrowing in their digestive tract may also be discouraged from having an enteroscopy. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider about any health conditions you have to determine if enteroscopy is safe for you.
How does an enteroscopy differ from an endoscopy?
An enteroscopy and an endoscopy differ primarily in the areas of the digestive system they examine. Both procedures utilize a flexible camera-equipped tube (endoscope). An endoscopy typically explores the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. An enteroscopy, however, is specifically aimed at examining the small intestine, a region deeper within the digestive system and more difficult to reach. Enteroscopy is especially useful when other diagnostic methods like endoscopy or colonoscopy have not yielded conclusive results or when there is a suspected problem within the small intestine.
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The staff was amazing! Made you feel safe and well taken care of! The doctor and the people in the OR we’re awesome.
He provided me with excellent care. Very compassionate and made sure I was comfortable during my procedure.
Staff and Dr.Vincent kept me informed of everything g before and after procedure. They were also able to add a procedure that I needed as well so I only had to prep and come in once. This was much appreciated.
Doctor Nasereddin was fantastic.
Bailey Wulle is fantastic! Listens to you and answers questions thoroughly. She is knowledgeable and explains what medications do and which ones would work for you. The whole staff is very friendly. I highly recommend IGH.
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