Enteroscopy in Texas

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An enteroscopy is a procedure during which a lengthy, bendable tube is inserted through the mouth and into the body up the second portion of the intestine (the jejunum). The tube includes a light and camera, allowing the GI doctor to better evaluate the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Your doctor may use an enteroscopy to diagnose the underlying causes of GI concerns like bleeding, pain in the abdomen, and abnormal x-ray results. Contact our GI specialists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to learn more about requesting an enteroscopy in Texas.

An enteroscopy is often requested to help determine the causes of disorders in the small intestine. Some of the most common disorders that might require an enteroscopy to diagnose include:

  • Unusual x-ray results
  • Abnormal tumors or growths in the small intestine
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Unexplained diarrhea

While there may be alternative options to an enteroscopy, those will largely depend on the conditions being diagnosed. For the most part, enteroscopy is the most efficient way to assess and treat health problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly those in the second part of the small intestine. Your provider may order an x-ray procedure called an upper GI/small bowel follow-through to examine the upper GI tract instead. However, that is only a diagnostic procedure. If any abnormalities are found, surgery or an enteroscopy may be needed to treat them.

Your local Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider will give you directions to help prepare for your enteroscopy. Most people can eat as they normally do the day before the procedure, but you should not take anything by mouth after midnight except for your medications. It is vital that you listen to your gastroenterologist's instructions on that. You might also receive further directions about your medications. Generally speaking, you will be able to take them as normal, but special instructions may be provided for diabetics and patients taking blood thinners (including Coumadin®, Plavix®, warfarin, and aspirin).

Your provider will request that you arrive at the endoscopy location in Texas 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your scheduled procedure so that there is adequate time to handle paperwork and any other preparations. Before the enteroscopy, you will change into a medical gown, and an intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your arm to administer a sedative. You will be hooked up to various devices so the provider and staff can watch your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen levels both during and after the procedure.

After getting into the examination room, the staff will direct you to lie down on the exam table on your left side. The sedative will then be administered through the IV. A little bit at a time will be given to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction and that you receive only the necessary dose. Once you have been sedated, the endoscope will be carefully introduced through the mouth and gently pushed through the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. The scope might inject a bit of air into your GI tract to aid the provider in the examination. Any liquid left in the upper gastrointestinal tract can be sucked out through the endoscope. If the exam finds any abnormalities, the provider may take steps at this time to treat them, including removing polyps, taking a biopsy, and managing bleeding. When the test is done, the provider will use the scope to remove as much of the remaining air and fluid as they can. The procedure takes 15 – 45 minutes to complete, depending on what your gastroenterologist finds.

When the enteroscopy is done, you will be taken to a separate recovery room to be watched over while the effects of the sedative fade. Most patients should be alert enough to leave the location within 45 – 60 minutes, though the length of time it takes to wear off depends on how much was administered and the individual's reaction to the sedative. Prepare to have a ride home, as you will be not able to operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. You should also not try to work, sign any important documents, or do anything too strenuous on the body until the next day. The majority of patients can eat, drink, and take medication as usual after they're discharged, but your provider may give you personalized directions before you leave.

When the procedure is done, your local Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider will explain the results of the exam to you. Because of the sedation, many patients won't be able to recall this discussion. If feasible, bring another person with you who can sit in for this conversation. You will also be provided with a copy of the findings to take home with you. Your gastroenterologist should get back to you within one week with any biopsy results.

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Enteroscopy is widely viewed as a low-risk procedure, with problems occurring in less than 1% of individuals. The majority of these complications are not grave, but some may necessitate surgery and/or a stay in the hospital. A nurse will go over the consent form with you before the procedure to ensure you understand the potential risks. If you have any questions at this point, you can use this opportunity to discuss them with your provider.

You may experience reactions to the sedative used for the procedure, including discomfort in the vein used for the IV, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and effects on your heart and blood pressure. There may be some bleeding if the exam involves removing polyps, a biopsy, or dilating strictures. It is unlikely that any bleeding will be severe enough to require hospitalization or a blood transfusion. There is also a possibility of perforation (puncture) of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. These problems may be seen during the exam, or you may not notice them until later. Most perforation cases will result in surgery and hospitalization. However, remember that this is an unusual complication. Please let your provider's office know immediately if you experience symptoms after the procedure such as bleeding, fever, or increased abdominal pain.

Like all medical tests, an enteroscopy is not flawless. There is a minor, recognized chance that disorders like cancer may be missed during the test. It is always vital to keep in contact with your gastroenterologist and let them know when you experience any new or lasting symptoms.

An enteroscopy is a valuable method for determining the underlying issues causing gastrointestinal symptoms and following up on abnormal x-rays. If you need to have an enteroscopy in Texas, Texas Digestive Disease Consultants can help you find a board-certified local gastroenterologist. Our network of GI health providers works to give our patients the highest-quality care for their needs. For more information or to request a consultant, reach out to Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.

Dr. Mbachu, was very attentive and inquisitive and addressed all of my concerns. She is awesome and very good.

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Dr. Kepczyk and his staff are among the best I have seen in my area. So professional, kind and knowledgeable.

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I’m Leah, Norm’s wife, and am using his account as a patient of Dr. Gou’s to write a review about him. I’m a new patient for Dr. Gou and, from the moment I walked into his office, I knew I was going to like this practice. Judy, the receptionist, was very friendly and welcoming to me. I have found that you can judge a doctor on first impressions by his/her front office staff. I’ve been to several gastroenterologists trying to find one who will listen to me and my concerns. Dr Gou spent a lot of time with me explaining my condition and what could be done for it. He listened to me, the patient, which had not been the case in the past. He doesn’t overbook his appointments so he can spend the time needed. I also had no wait to go back to the exam room. Highly recommend this office!

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Dr Walker is the kindest doctor I’ve ever been to. I was misinformed and thought she wasn’t practicing anymore and was so delighted to find out she still is today. I was dreading having to find another gastroenterologist, especially after finding one I loved so much, so I’m thrilled to get to continue to see her. She actually listens, has empathy, and shows genuine concern and care for her patients. 10/10 recommend!

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Team is extremely attentive and very responsive.

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