Retrograde balloon enteroscopy is used to examine the colon, large bowel and part of the small intestine. Under sedation, a narrow flexible tube (enteroscope), which has a small camera on the tip of it, is passed through the anus, around the large bowel and into the small bowel. It also has a soft balloon on it, which is inflated to grip the bowel and help its insertion. This instrument is used to examine all areas of the large bowel and parts of the small bowel for abnormalities such as ulcers, inflammation and/or tumours. Small biopsies are sometimes taken, which are then sent to the laboratory for further testing.
Yes, special x-ray testing can also examine the colon for abnormalities. However, this is not as good as retrograde balloon enteroscopy in most cases.
Upon arriving in the Endoscopy Suite, a registered nurse will prepare you for your procedure and go through a thorough checklist. A small needle is inserted in your arm intravenously so that medication can be administered that will help sedate you.
Most enteroscopies will take approximately 90 to 120 minutes, and it is not uncommon for patients not to remember having had the procedure performed. A nurse will monitor your observations whilst you recover, and once you are fully awake you will be offered something to eat and drink. Usually, two (2) hours after your procedure you will be able to go home or return to your hospital room if you are staying as an inpatient.
It is important to note that once you have had an anaesthetic, under no circumstances are you able to operate a motor vehicle or any heavy machinery for twenty-four (24) hours, and that you must be picked up by a responsible adult to drive you back home and stay with you for twenty-four (24) hours. Public transport is not an option. Where suitable transportation or a responsible adult cannot be arranged, it may be best to reschedule the procedure when these things can be arranged.
No, in 1 in 20 patients, the colon and small intestine cannot be fully seen due to poor bowel preparation and/or problems manoeuvring around the bowel.
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