Enteroscopy in New Orleans, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is an enteroscopy procedure?
An enteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure during which a lengthy, skinny, flexible scope, or tube, is introduced into the mouth and advanced to the jejunum, the second portion of the small intestine. Our scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the provider to examine the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. An enteroscopy might be performed to determine the cause of GI issues such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or concerning x-ray results. If you have been told you need an enteroscopy, contact one of our board-certified GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to learn more about the procedure. Our providers often conduct enteroscopies for New Orleans, LA individuals and offer the care you need to improve your gastrointestinal health.
Why would someone need an enteroscopy?
The enteroscopy procedure is often used to detect irregularities or conditions in the small intestine. Symptoms of such conditions may include:
- Abnormal tumors or growths in the small intestine
- Abnormal x-ray results
- Unexplained diarrhea
- Unexplained bleeding
To some extent, other exam options will largely depend on the overall reason for needing to undergo the enteroscopy procedure in the first place. In many cases, an enteroscopy is the wisest way to assess and manage abnormalities in the upper GI tract, particularly if they involve the jejunum (the second portion of the small intestine). However, an x-ray image known as the upper GI/small bowel follow-through can examine the upper GI tract, as well. This is, however, only a diagnostic approach. Treatment of these findings will require an enteroscopy or a surgical procedure.
What should I expect the day before my enteroscopy procedure?
Before your procedure, you will receive directions from your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates provider informing you of the required preparation. Most patients will likely be cleared to eat normally the day before the exam. You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight aside from any medications you take. It is imperative to follow the instructions given to you by your GI specialist. You may also be given additional information regarding your medications. In the majority of cases, your medications can continue as usual. However, in select circumstances, particularly in individuals on anti-coagulants and who are diabetic, specific directions will be provided.
What happens on the day of my enteroscopy?
You will need to enter the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours before your enteroscopy exam. This gives you time to complete paperwork and get prepped. You will be asked to change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your arm so that sedation can be given to you. We will connect you to equipment that will enable our providers to keep track of 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 down on your left side on our procedure bed. The IV will be started. We will give you small amounts of sedation medication at a time to ensure you don't have any reaction and to give you only the amount that you need individually. Once the right amount of sedation is reached, the endoscope will be gradually placed into your mouth. The scope will be carefully advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A bit of air is injected through the scope into your gastrointestinal (GI) tract to help your provider see. Any remaining fluid in your upper GI tract is suctioned out through the scope. Based on the outcome of the exam, several things can be performed at the time of the procedure including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. Once complete, the remaining air and fluid are drawn out through the scope. Based on the findings, the exam often takes somewhere between 15 – 45 minutes.
After the exam, you will be taken to the recovery room to be supervised while the sedation wears off. The amount of sedation used during your enteroscopy and your response to the sedation will determine how fast you wake up, though most patients are awake enough to be discharged within 45 – 60 minutes. You cannot drive for the rest of the day; therefore, you will need to have arrangements made for someone to take you home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign important documents, or do taxing activities for the remaining day. Most patients can eat and drink normally after their discharge from the endoscopy facility, however, instructions regarding activity, eating, and medications will be discussed before discharge.
After your enteroscopy, your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team will go over the outcome of the exam with you. Most patients have difficulty remembering what they are told after the exam because of the effects of the sedation. It is recommended, if possible, to have someone come with you for these results. We will also send you home with a report. You will be provided with any biopsy results usually within one week.
What are the risks of an enteroscopy?
Generally, an enteroscopy is a safe and effective process. Overall, complications happen in fewer than 1% of patients. The majority of issues are not terminal, however, if a problem arises, it may necessitate a hospital stay and/or surgery. Before your exam, we'll make sure you understand all risks before signing the consent form. If you have any questions or concerns, these can be reviewed with your provider before beginning the enteroscopy.
Medication reactions due to sedation might occur. 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 could occur with the removal of polyps, biopsies, and with dilating strictures. Additionally, bleeding, which would result in a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is very uncommon. A tear or trauma of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine might happen, although unlikely. This may be recognized during the procedure, or it may not be evident until hours later. In most cases, a perforation will require surgery or hospitalization. This is not likely, even when biopsies are taken or dilation is performed. It is vital that you contact our New Orleans, LA office as soon as symptoms occur after your enteroscopy, such as worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Similar to any other procedure, an enteroscopy is not flawless. There is a minor, acknowledged risk that irregularities, including cancers, can be undetected during the exam. It is critical to continue to follow up with your provider as recommended and keep them informed of any new or persistent symptoms.
Advanced options for better GI health
An enteroscopy is an effective endoscopic procedure for identifying the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms and examining abnormal x-ray results. If you have been told you require an enteroscopy exam, you can count on our GI specialists. As a physician-led group of GI providers, Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates strives to offer one-of-a-kind patient-centered care to enhance your GI health. To connect with a provider who can perform an enteroscopy in New Orleans, LA, please contact a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates location near you.
Enteroscopy FAQs
What should I not do after an enteroscopy?
After an enteroscopy, you should wait to eat or drink until your doctor gives you the go-ahead and adhere to any medication instructions provided. Also, steer clear of strenuous physical activity. If you experience severe abdominal pain, ongoing bleeding, or fever, please call our office immediately.
Who should not have an enteroscopy?
Enteroscopy might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with specific health conditions or risk factors that heighten the likelihood of complications. Individuals with severe heart or lung diseases, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or those who have recently suffered a heart attack may face increased risks from the sedation and the procedure itself. Additionally, those with anatomical abnormalities or strictures in the digestive tract may be advised against undergoing enteroscopy. It’s crucial to thoroughly discuss any pre-existing health issues or concerns with your healthcare provider to assess whether enteroscopy is a safe option for you.
What is the difference between an enteroscopy and an endoscopy?
The main distinction between an endoscopy and an enteroscopy lies in the specific areas of the digestive tract they examine. Both procedures utilize a flexible tube equipped with a camera, known as an endoscope. An endoscopy primarily explores the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Conversely, an enteroscopy is designed to examine the small intestine, a region that is deeper within the digestive system and poses more challenges in terms of access. Enteroscopy is particularly useful when previous diagnostic procedures like endoscopy or colonoscopy fail to yield definitive results, or when there's a suspected problem specifically in the small intestine.
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