Small bowel enteroscopy is a diagnostic and a therapeutic based procedure in the field of gastroenterology. A very long endoscope is inserted into the small intestine. It is assisted by balloons and the probing is deep into the small intestine or bowel and hence it is termed as “Balloon assisted enteroscopy” or “deep enteroscopy”. The procedure is performed through the Upper Gastrointestinal tract (GI) using the antegrade methodology or through the lower gastrointestinal tract through the retrograde methodology. There are two types of endoscopy which are performed based on the prognosis of the patient, namely Single Balloon enteroscopy or double balloon enteroscopy.
Single Balloon assisted enteroscopy : This procedure is done using a single balloon.
Double Balloon assisted enteroscopy : Two Balloons are used.
Alternatively a third type of device, without employing balloons is employed, it is called the spirus or spiral tube. This device provides access deep down into the small intestine. X-Ray or fluoroscopy may be advised by your doctors to gain better insight into the case.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia and may take several hours to be completed. Gastroenterologists usually advise these procedures for patients who are suffering from bleeding in the small intestine, or tumors or strictures, abnormal tissue polyps or any foreign objects. The entroscope is inserted into the small bowel by inflating and deflating the balloons as and when required to pleat the bowel for the endoscopist to see, visualize and identify the problem.
Background :
The Small intestine is around 20 feet in length and was an inaccessible part of the small intestine. Firstly in the year 2001 wireless video-assisted endoscopy system was put to use, to see lesions, scars or damaged area which lead to technological advancement in the field of using probes in gastroenterology. Small bowel enters copy systems were developed as an alternative to surgeries to obtain samples for biopsy or treat tumors, polyps, cysts etc. This system is a boon to patients as there is no surgical intervention and hence no blood loss.
How is it done ?
The patient can be admitted to the hospital a day prior to the procedure for all the pre-evaluation tests to determine if the patient is healthy enough. Anesthesia is administered to the patient, after which the enteroscopy is done either through the mouth or the rectum, the doctor’s choose the apt procedure based on the patient’s information and prior reports. If the lesions are in the lower part, then the retro procedure is good and vice-versa.
Risks :
he patient may experience some discomfort, perforation, bleeding inflammation of the pancreas are common though rare.
Therapies :
It is a viable option to treat bleeding lesions namely angioectasias, dilation of strictures employing hydrostatic balloon dilator. Extraction or biopsy of small bowel masses, retrieval or removal of any foreign objects or biopsy of any abnormality found in the tissues. It can be used in patients in whom the anatomy has been altered due to surgeries also.
Contraindications :
The patient must be very stable, should not suffer from any prior medical conditions such as heart troubles, or recent abdominal surgeries as the procedure may destabilize the existing problem. It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before you undergo the procedure. Many other alternative tests such as an ultrasound scan of the abdomen, CT scan etc may be prescribed to identify the root cause of the problem the patient is facing.
Why KIMS ?
KIMS is a very patient-friendly hospital with excellent infrastructure facilities in Hyderabad. It boasts of the best gastroenterologists in Hyderabad. Our best doctors have vast experience and expertise in performing such new procedures with very good outcomes for the patients. The department of gastroenterology at KIMS has treated many patients from India and abroad for various ailments since the last decade and has carved out a niche for itself in the field of gastro sciences. The doctors evaluate the patient keenly and proactively deal the case by assisting the patients in all respects, by instilling a sense of confidence and making the patient feel at home. In service oriented industry like ours, we give our patient the best treatment.