Enteroscopy in Tulsa, OK
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Find a ProviderWhat is an enteroscopy procedure?
The enteroscopy procedure is an endoscopic procedure in which an extended, thin, flexible scope is placed into your mouth and advanced to the jejunum (the second portion of the small intestine). Our scope has a light and a camera at the end, which helps your provider see the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. An enteroscopy might be performed to identify the reason for gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or unusual x-ray results. If it's been suggested you get an enteroscopy, contact one of our knowledgeable GI specialists at Adult Gastroenterology Associates to request a consultation. Our providers frequently conduct enteroscopies for Tulsa, OK patients and look forward to helping you manage your GI health.
Why would someone need an enteroscopy?
The enteroscopy procedure is often completed to detect abnormalities or diseases in the small bowel. Indications of such concerns could include:
- Bleeding
- Abnormal growths or tumors in the small intestine
- Unexplained diarrhea
- Unusual x-ray results
To some degree, the alternatives to this exam will be dependent on the reason for having to undergo the enteroscopy to begin with. In most patients, enteroscopy is the wisest way to diagnose and manage abnormalities in the upper GI tract, especially if they concern the jejunum (the second portion of the small intestine). However, the x-ray image referred to as the upper GI/small bowel follow-through can evaluate the upper GI tract, as well. This is, though, only a diagnostic method. Treatment of these 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 receive directions from your Adult Gastroenterology Associates GI doctor regarding the needed preparation. A large number of individuals will most likely be allowed to eat normally the day prior to the enteroscopy. Patients will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after 12:00 a.m. apart from medications. It is imperative to follow the directive provided by your GI specialist. There will also be further instructions regarding your medications. In the majority of instances, your medications can be taken as instructed. However, in certain cases, especially in individuals on anti-coagulants and who have diabetes, special guidelines will be given. If you have any questions about the instructions provided, don't hesitate to reach out to our Tulsa, OK office.
What happens during my enteroscopy?
You will need to arrive at the endoscopy unit 1 – 1.5 hours ahead of your enteroscopy procedure. This gives you time to fill out patient forms and prepare for your exam. We will have you change into a hospital gown. and will place an intravenous (IV) catheter in your arm so sedation can be administered. We will also connect you to a system that will let us keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during and after the exam.
Once in the exam room, we'll have you lie down on your left side on the exam table. The sedation will be started, starting with a small amount to ensure you do not have a reaction to the sedation and to provide only the amount that you need. Once an adequate amount of medication is reached, the endoscope will be carefully introduced into the mouth. The scope will be carefully advanced through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A bit of air is injected through the scope into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to help your physician see. Any fluid remaining in your upper GI tract is removed through the scope. Depending on the results of your exam, several things can be conducted at the time of your enteroscopy, such as removal of polyps, biopsies, and control of bleeding. At the end of the procedure, remaining air and fluid is drawn out through the scope. The procedure takes approximately 15 – 45 minutes, depending on our findings.
Once the exam is done, you will be transferred to recovery to be supervised while you come out of sedation. The amount of sedation used during the exam and your particular response to the medication will determine how quickly you wake up. Many patients are alert enough for discharge within an hour. You will not be allowed to 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 important papers, or do demanding activities for the remaining day. Most patients are fine to eat and drink as they normally would after being discharged from the endoscopy center, however, guidelines about activities, medications, and eating will be discussed prior to discharge.
Following your enteroscopy procedure, your Adult Gastroenterology Associates team will review the findings of your exam with you. A number of individuals will struggle to remember what they are told after the exam due to the effects of the sedation medication so we recommend having a family member join you for these results. You will also go home with a report. You will be given any biopsy results after about one week.
Are there risks with an enteroscopy?
Generally, an enteroscopy is a safe and effective exam. Overall, complications occur in only about 1% of patients. The majority of problems are not fatal, however, if an issue arises, it could necessitate a hospital stay and/or surgery. Before your exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by the nursing staff. Should any questions or concerns arise, these can be gone over with your GI specialist prior to beginning your enteroscopy.
Reactions due to sedation might occur. These could include allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, effects on the heart and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein used to give the medication. Bleeding could happen with removal of polyps, biopsies, and with dilating strictures. Significant bleeding, which would result in a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is uncommon. A tear or laceration of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine could happen. We might recognize this at the time of the exam, or it may not become obvious until later in the day. In most cases, this will necessitate surgery and hospitalization. This is an uncommon complication, even when biopsies are taken or dilation is performed. It is very important that you call our Tulsa, OK office immediately if symptoms arise after the procedure like bleeding, abdominal pain, or fever.
Like any other test, enteroscopy is not perfect. There is a minor, acknowledged risk that abnormal conditions, including malignancies, might be missed during the procedure. It is important to follow up with your GI provider as recommended and inform them of any new or symptoms.
Advanced options for better GI health
An enteroscopy is a useful endoscopic procedure performed to identify the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms and review atypical x-ray results. If you need an enteroscopy, you can rely on our experienced specialists at Adult Gastroenterology Associates. As a physician-led group of gastroenterologists, we aim to give you one-of-a-kind patient-centric care to protect your GI tract health. To connect with a provider who offers enteroscopy in Tulsa, OK, please reach out to a Adult Gastroenterology Associates location near you.
Enteroscopy FAQs
What should I avoid after undergoing an enteroscopy?
You should avoid eating or drinking after your enteroscopy until your doctor says you can. Adhere strictly to any prescribed medication routines. You should also keep physical activities light to prevent strain. If you encounter severe abdominal pain, ongoing bleeding, or a fever, please contact our office immediately.
Who is not a suitable candidate for an enteroscopy?
Enteroscopy might not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals with severe cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, those with active bleeding disorders, or patients who have recently suffered a heart attack could face heightened risks from the sedation and the procedure. This procedure may not be suitable for individuals with structural issues or blockages in their digestive tract. Always consult with your healthcare provider to assess whether enteroscopy is advisable based on your medical history.
How does an enteroscopy differ from an endoscopy?
Both enteroscopy and endoscopy are diagnostic procedures that utilize a flexible, camera-equipped tube called an endoscope. However, they differ in the areas of the digestive system they examine. Endoscopy is generally used to inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine. Enteroscopy targets the small intestine more extensively and is often employed to explore areas beyond the reach of standard endoscopy and colonoscopy, particularly when those tests do not yield definitive results or when specific issues in the small intestine have been identified.
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