An enteroscopy is a medical procedure during which an enteroscope (a long, thin flexible tube with a video camera at the end) is passed into, and along the small intestine. It allows your doctor to examine this area and treat conditions affecting the small intestine. An enteroscopy is performed in a hospital or specialist day centre.
An enteroscopy is usually done to investigate and treat suspected bleeding from the small bowel which over time can cause anaemia and low iron levels. It is also performed to look for possible abnormalities within the small bowel including areas of ulceration and abnormal growths.
An enteroscopy requires very little preparation. For safety reasons, and to ensure adequate visualization, it is essential that your stomach is completely empty. You should therefore have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your enteroscopy.
Whilst most medications can be taken as usual with a sip of water on the day of your procedure, some medications need to be stopped, or have their dose altered.
You should notify us at least 7 days prior to your procedure if you are taking:
Please bring your referral, a full list of your medications and your Medicare card on the day of your procedure.
After registering at reception, you will be seen briefly by your gastroenterologist and anaesthetist, who will discuss your medical history and the procedure. You will then be given an anaesthetic (sedative). Most patients are very comfortable during the enteroscopy and don’t remember anything afterwards. Once asleep, the enteroscope is passed into the small intestine which is reached via the mouth or the bowel, depending on the part of the small bowel your doctor needs to examine. The procedure usually lasts for between 45 and 60 minutes.
Following the procedure you will be monitored in the recovery area until most of the sedative medication has worn off. You will then be offered something to eat and drink. Because of the sedative medication, it is essential that you have a friend or relative take you home and stay with you for several hours. It is strongly recommended that you do not drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents on the same day after the test.
Overall an enteroscopy is a very safe procedure that most patients tolerate extremely well. The most common side effects include mild throat soreness, and abdominal discomfort related to retained air in the small intestines. More serious but rare complications can occur which include bleeding, or a tear in the lining of the intestine (perforation). If this happens you will be admitted to hospital for an operation to repair it.
Please contact your Gastroenterologist or your nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms after your enteroscopy:
Your Gastroenterologist will discuss the procedure with you on the day of your enteroscopy, however if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Advanced enteroscopy procedures to diagnose and treat small bowel disorders effectively.
