Enteroscopy in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is an enteroscopy?
The enteroscopy procedure is an endoscopic procedure where a long, flexible scope is inserted into the patient's mouth and moved through the second part of the small intestine, known as the jejunum. The scope has a camera and light at the end, which helps your provider to examine the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. An enteroscopy procedure may be utilized to determine the source of gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain, bleeding, or unusual x-ray results. If you have been told you need an enteroscopy, you can contact one of our knowledgeable gastroenterologists at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location in your community to learn more. Our providers routinely perform enteroscopy procedures for Lubbock, TX patients and offer the care you need to manage your gastrointestinal health.
Why is an enteroscopy performed?
The enteroscopy procedure is typically used to detect abnormalities or conditions in the small bowel. Symptoms of such abnormalities might include:
- Abnormal growths or tumors in the small bowel
- Abnormal x-ray results
- Unexplained bleeding
- Unexplained diarrhea
To an extent, other procedure options will depend on the overall reason for needing an enteroscopy procedure to begin with. In most patients, enteroscopy is the most effective way to diagnose and address concerns in the upper GI tract, especially if they impact the jejunum. However, the x-ray referred to as an upper GI/small bowel follow-through can appraise the upper gastrointestinal tract, too. This is, though, just a diagnostic method. Treatment of these findings will require an enteroscopy or a surgical procedure.
What should I expect the day before my enteroscopy procedure?
Before your enteroscopy, you will be given instructions from your Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates gastroenterologist explaining the required preparation. Most patients will be allowed to eat as normal the day leading up to the exam. Patients will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight apart from medications. It is very important to adhere to the instructions provided by our team. You may also receive further information regarding your medications. In many cases, your medications will be continued as instructed. However, special instructions will be provided for select patients, especially those on anti-coagulants and who have diabetes.
What happens during an enteroscopy?
We will ask you to enter the endoscopy facility an hour to an hour and a half before your enteroscopy exam. This ensures you're able to fill out paperwork and get prepped. We will have you change into a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted in your arm so sedation can be given to you. You will be connected to equipment that will enable our providers to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level while you're in our care.
Once in the exam room, we'll have you lie down on your left side on the exam table. The IV will be started. It will be administered in small amounts to verify that you do not have an adverse reaction to the medication and to provide only the amount you specifically need. Once the correct amount of sedation is achieved, the endoscope will be carefully inserted into the mouth. The scope will be carefully advanced through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A small amount of air will be injected through the scope into your GI tract to help your provider see. Any fluid remaining in the upper gastrointestinal tract is suctioned out through the scope. Depending on the outcome of your procedure, several things can be done during your enteroscopy including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. Once we're done, air and any remaining fluid are removed through the scope. The length of the procedure largely depends on the findings, but usually takes between 15 – 45 minutes.
Once the exam is complete, the patient is taken to the recovery room to be monitored while you come out of sedation. The amount of IV sedation given during the exam and your particular response to the sedation will determine how quickly you come to, though most individuals are awake enough to be released within 45 – 60 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive for the remainder of the day, so you will need to arrange for a ride home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign important documents, or complete taxing activities for the remainder of the day. Many of our patients can eat and drink as they normally would after their discharge from the endoscopy facility; however, specific instructions regarding activity, eating, and medications will be discussed before you are discharged.
Following the enteroscopy, your Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates team will review the outcome of the procedure with you. Many individuals will not remember what they are told after the exam because of the effects of the sedation. We recommend, if possible, to have someone come with you for these results. We will also send you home with a report. Biopsy results are typically available within one week.
Are there risks associated with an enteroscopy?
Generally, an enteroscopy is a very safe exam. Normally, complications occur in only about 1% of patients. Most complications are not severe; however, if a problem arises, it may warrant hospitalization and/or surgery. Before the exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by the nursing staff. If you have any questions or concerns, these can be talked through with your provider prior to beginning the enteroscopy.
Reactions from the sedation used can happen. These could include but are not limited to, difficulty breathing, effects on your heart and blood pressure, allergic reactions, and irritation of the vein that received the medication. Bleeding could result from biopsies, removal of polyps, and with dilating strictures. Again, bleeding that could result in hospitalization or a blood transfusion, is very uncommon. A tear or puncture of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine can also occur. We might recognize this at the time of the exam, or it may not become apparent until later in the day. In many cases, a perforation will require surgery and/or a hospital stay. This is an uncommon complication, even when biopsies are taken or dilation is performed. It is vital that the patient call one of our Lubbock, TX locations immediately if symptoms arise after the procedure such as bleeding, abdominal pain, or fever.
Like any other test, enteroscopy is not without imperfections. There is a minimal, accepted risk that irregularities, including malignancies, might be missed during the procedure. It is important to follow up with your provider as instructed and inform them of any new or persistent symptoms.
Improved health and wellness
An enteroscopy is a safe and effective endoscopic method that is used to identify the reason for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and to examine atypical x-ray results. If you need an enteroscopy exam, you can count on our GI specialists. As a physician-led group of gastroenterologists, our Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates locations strive to provide superior patient-focused care to enhance your GI tract health. To connect with a provider who performs enteroscopy in Lubbock, TX, please reach out to a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location in your area.
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Dr Miller is an excellent doctor who takes the time to listen and help you with your medical problems. He doesn’t just leave you hanging I received 2 calls after I was there and I know if I wasn’t better I could get in very quickly. I would highly recommend him
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Dr. Ganga and staff were very kind, patient, and professional. The entire appointment process from start to finish was very organized and smooth. I didn’t feel rushed and had plenty of time to ask questions, which is not always the case with Dr. appointments.
The wait was long but the nurse and Dr Kensing were very accommodating.
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