Small Intestinal Enteroscopy

Small intestinal enteroscopy is offered at Revere Health as a specialized procedure to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the small bowel. This procedure allows providers to evaluate and address issues like gastrointestinal bleeding, small bowel tumors, polyps, and other abnormalities that may not be detected through standard imaging tests.

What is Small Intestinal Enteroscopy?
Small intestinal enteroscopy involves using an endoscope—a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera and therapeutic tools—to access deeper areas of the small intestine. There are several types of enteroscopy procedures, including double balloon enteroscopy, single balloon enteroscopy, and spiral enteroscopy. Each technique is designed to navigate the small intestine’s length and provide both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, such as removing polyps, performing biopsies, or treating strictures.

When is Small Intestinal Enteroscopy Recommended?
Enteroscopy is typically recommended for patients experiencing persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms after standard upper and lower endoscopies have not revealed a cause. It is useful in diagnosing and managing conditions such as:

Small Bowel Tumors: Enteroscopy allows for the identification and biopsy of suspicious growths in the small bowel.
Unexplained GI Bleeding: It is often used to locate the source of bleeding that cannot be detected through other procedures.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): To assess and treat complications of Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory conditions affecting the small intestine.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Depending on the approach, enteroscopy may be performed through the mouth (antegrade) or through the rectum (retrograde). During the procedure, the endoscope is carefully guided into the small bowel, using either balloon or spiral techniques to gently advance through the intestines. Patients are typically sedated to ensure comfort, and the procedure is often completed in 1-2 hours.

Benefits and Advantages
Small intestinal enteroscopy offers a more precise and targeted examination of the small bowel compared to capsule endoscopy, with the added benefit of enabling immediate treatment, such as removing small polyps or managing bleeding sources. This makes it an invaluable tool for patients with complex small bowel conditions that require both evaluation and therapeutic intervention.

If you are experiencing persistent GI symptoms or have been advised to undergo further evaluation of the small intestine, contact Revere Health to learn more about our enteroscopy services and how they can support your digestive health.