Enteroscopy

Enteroscopy

Enteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the small intestine (small bowel).

Why is this test performed?

This test is most often performed to help diagnose diseases of the small intestines. It may be done if you have:

• Unexplained diarrhoea
• Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
• Abnormal barium meal follow through (BMFT) or CT enteroclysis reports
• Tumours in the small intestines

How is the test performed?

A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the upper gastrointestinal tract. During a single-balloon enteroscopy, balloon attached to the endoscope can be inflated to allow the doctor to view the entire small bowel. Tissue samples removed during enteroscopy are sent to the laboratory for examination.