Small bowel issues can be challenging to diagnose. Much of this difficulty can be related to the fact that there is a challenge to reach the length of the small bowel with a scope for diagnostic and treatment purposes. With Push Enteroscopy, gastroenterologists can access areas that have been somewhat inaccessible in the past. While not entirely perfect, it is better than it has been, and many small bowel issues can now be diagnosed earlier.

Gastroenterologists need to be specially trained for this procedure. At Idaho Digestive Health Institute, Dr. Woolf has the expertise and training for this procedure to provide Caldwell with more gastroenterological diagnostic and treatment options.

What is Push Enteroscopy?

Push enteroscopy is a type of endoscopy that is specifically designed to reach the small bowel. The enteroscope is a long flexible tube equipped with a camera on end. The tube is inserted into the patient's mouth, down the esophagus, through the stomach, and into the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine. It enables the gastroenterologist to study the digestive tract and take tissue samples as needed. Inside the endoscope is another tube that can telescope out to reach further into the small intestine. Inflated balloons stabilize the scope during the test to secure the endoscope in the digestive tract.

What is Push Enteroscopy? | Idaho Digestive Health Institute

Why Might You Need A Push Enteroscopy?

Patients who would be a good candidate for this diagnostic and maintenance procedure are those who exhibit the following symptoms, among others:

  • Bleeding in parts of their digestive tract
  • Bowel obstruction
  • An increase in white blood cell count
  • Malnutrition
  • Damage from radiation treatment
  • Confirmed or suspected tumors
  • Severe diarrhea

What Happens During The Push Enteroscopy Procedure?

You will be administered a sedative through your IV, and your throat is sprayed with a local anesthetic. Your sedation level will be enough that you should not experience any discomfort throughout the procedure. The end of the enteroscope is placed in your mouth and guided down the esophagus and into the stomach. A balloon is inflated to keep the enteroscope stable as it enters the duodenum, and the air is pumped through the scope to give the doctor a better view of the stomach and small intestine. The inner tube is extended further into the small intestine down into the ilium. The gastroenterologist will take samples as needed and record images from the test.

The balloon is deflated, and the enteroscope is carefully removed from your digestive system. Because of the extra areas being examined, this procedure takes longer than a routine endoscopic examination.

What Should I Expect for the Recovery After Push Enteroscopy?

Following the procedure, you will be transferred to the recovery area, where they will need to remain for a few hours. The IV is removed, and you will be able to drink ginger ale or clear juices. You should be able to eat soft foods shortly after your procedure. You should avoid heavier meals, fatty foods, and spicy foods for the remainder of the day. Most people can return to their normal activities the following day.

Following the procedure, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Sore throat
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Mild abdominal cramping
  • Minor bleeding
What Should I Expect for the Recovery After Push Enteroscopy?

While minor bleeding and mild cramping are to be expected, if you experience any of the following more severe symptoms, contact your gastroenterologist immediately:

  • Blood in the stool that looks like it is more than just a few teaspoons
  • Fever
  • Severe abdominal pain and cramping
  • Vomiting

Why Go To Idaho Digestive Health Institute And See Dr. Woolf For This Procedure?

Dr. Woolf has the extended training necessary for the push enteroscopy procedure. In Caldwell, the Idaho Digestive Health Institute has knowledgeable and compassionate staff who will take the best care of you before, during, and after your procedure. If you are ready to schedule your push enteroscopy, contact us today.

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