Do you also have problems with your intestines? Let's learn about the enteroscopy test!

You've probably heard of a medical test called an enteroscopy. But you may have a lot of questions about what it is, why it's done, and how it's done. Don't be afraid. Today, we'll talk about this test called an enteroscopy in a simple, easy-to-understand way. It's like looking inside your body with a tiny camera.

What is the difference between Enteroscopy and Endoscopy?

Now you might be thinking that when you say enteroscopy, it means the same as endoscopy. Although there are some similarities, there is a slight difference between the two.

Simply put, an endoscopy usually looks at the upper part of your digestive system. That means your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine.

But an enteroscopy can examine your entire small intestine . The small intestine is the very long, winding part of your body between your stomach and large intestine. The instrument used during an enteroscopy is the same as an endoscope. It is a flexible tube with a camera and a light at one end. However, the enteroscopy instrument has a special feature. It is equipped with a system that allows the tube to be inserted deep into the small intestine.

When is an enteroscopy performed?

Enteroscopy is performed when your doctor wants to examine the inside of your small intestine, especially in the following situations:

• If you have unusual bleeding from your digestive tract (such as blood in your stool or blood in your vomit), sometimes the source of the bleeding cannot be found with a routine endoscopy.
• If blood tests show a high white blood cell count , or other abnormal results.
• If there is a suspicion of a tumor in the small intestine.
• If you think you have a small bowel obstruction , it means that the food passage is blocked.
• If the body is not absorbing nutrients properly for no apparent reason (malnutrition or poor absorption) , that is, if you feel like you are not getting enough nutrients no matter how much you eat.
• If you have persistent severe diarrhea for no apparent reason.

In addition to looking for things like these, there are several other things that can be done during an enteroscopy:

• A tissue sample (tissue sample for biopsy) can be taken from the small intestine. This is what we call a ``Biopsy''. This can help us determine exactly if there is any abnormality in that tissue.
• Polyps, other growths (masses), or foreign objects stuck in the small intestine can be removed.
• If there is a bleeding lesion in the small intestine, it can be sealed or cauterized .
• If there is an abnormally tight space in the intestine, it can be widened a little .

Imagine, this is like going to find a problem inside your stomach and finding a possible treatment for it right there.

What are the types of enteroscopy?

There are several main types of enteroscopy, which differ from each other in two main ways.

Differences depending on where the test starts:

This depends on where the device is inserted into the body.

• Lower enteroscopy: In this, the instrument is inserted through your anus and passed up through your rectum.
• Upper enteroscopy: This involves inserting a device through your mouth and passing it down your throat.

Variations depending on how the device moves along the small intestine:

What we're looking at here is the technology used to move the camera-equipped tube all the way into the small intestine.

• Double balloon method: In this method, there are two small balloons on the endoscope. These balloons are alternately inflated and deflated. As if someone is holding and pushing, the instrument is gradually advanced with the help of these two balloons. This is also called push-and-pull enteroscopy .
• Single balloon method: In this method, the instrument is pushed forward using a single small balloon at the end of the endoscope. This is also called push enteroscopy .
• Spiral overtube: In this method, the endoscope has a spiral-shaped section at the end. This is what moves the instrument forward.

Your doctor will decide what type of enteroscopy you need, depending on your symptoms and the part of your small intestine that needs to be examined.

Who performs an enteroscopy?

This test is performed by doctors who specialize in diseases related to the digestive system. We call them gastroenterologists .

Is enteroscopy the same as EGD?

No. EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and upper enteroscopy are similar, but not the same.

In both cases, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth. However, an EGD only looks at the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.

An enteroscopy can look at the entire small intestine . That's the main difference.

Is a bowel prep required for enteroscopy?

Yes, sometimes it's necessary.

• If you are having a lower enteroscopy, you will likely need to do a bowel prep or bowel cleansing . This means you will need to drink a special liquid that your doctor will give you and empty your bowel thoroughly. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for this.
• If you are having an upper enteroscopy , it is best not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the procedure. Your doctor will tell you about this as well.

Also, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners like aspirin, a few days before the test. So be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

How long does an enteroscopy take?

An enteroscopy can typically take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours , depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether any other treatments are being performed during the procedure.

What can you expect during an enteroscopy?

Here are some things that happen during the test:

• You will be given anesthesia . This means you will be put to sleep completely, or you will be given sedation to help you relax. This will prevent you from feeling any discomfort or pain.
• If the device is inserted through your mouth, you will be given a numbing medicine to numb your throat.
• The endoscope is then inserted through the mouth or rectum and advanced along the small intestine.
• The video footage from the camera on the device is displayed on a large screen. The doctor watches this while performing the examination.
• If you want to watch it later, you can record the necessary pictures and videos.
• If the doctor sees any problems during the examination (for example, removing a blockage, widening a narrowed area, or taking a biopsy), the necessary medical steps can be taken right there. You won't feel any pain from these additional procedures.

What to expect after an enteroscopy?

Enteroscopy is usually an outpatient procedure . This means you can go home the same day. However, you may feel a little drowsy or sleepy after the procedure because you have been given anesthesia or sedatives. Therefore, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. It is not advisable for you to drive yourself.

After the test, you may experience some minor discomfort, such as:

• A feeling of slight bloating and heaviness in the stomach.
• It feels like a slight stomach ache.
• Minor bleeding (especially if a biopsy was taken).
• Nausea.
• Slight sore throat (if the device was placed in the mouth).

These things usually subside within a day or two.

What are the risks of enteroscopy?

Enteroscopy is generally a very safe procedure . However, as with any medical procedure, there are some very small risks. However, these are very rare.

• Complications that may arise from anesthesia.
• Paralytic ileus.
• Internal bleeding.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis).
• Perforations or tears in the tissue through which the device has passed.

Your doctor will explain these risks to you in more detail. There is nothing to worry about, these are very low.

When will I know the results of the test?

Your doctor will give you a time to discuss the results, or they will call you to tell you. You may get the results that same evening, or in a day or two. They will explain what the test found and what to do next. If you had a biopsy, it may take a few days to get the results.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms after an enteroscopy, you should seek medical advice immediately :

• If your stool appears to be containing more than a few teaspoons of blood .
• If you get a fever .
• If you have severe stomach pain .
• If the abdomen is unusually swollen and feels hard to the touch.
• If you are vomiting .

Symptoms like these could indicate a complication, so it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

In summary (Take-Home Message)

Enteroscopy is an important medical procedure used to look inside your small intestine and sometimes treat problems there. The instrument is inserted either through the mouth (upper enteroscopy) or the rectum (lower enteroscopy).

Your doctor will explain to you in detail what to expect before and after this test. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. They are here to help you. Remember, an accurate diagnosis is very important for a healthy life.

` Enteroscopy, Enteroscopy, Small Intestine, Digestive System, Endoscopy, Biopsy, Biopsy, Polyp, Medical Tests, Stomach Ailments