Double Ballon Enteroscopy Specialist

What is a double balloon enteroscopy?

A double balloon enteroscopy is a diagnostic test to evaluate your gastrointestinal tract. You may need this type of procedure if other testing reveals lesions or bleeding in your small intestines.

Your Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC physician inserts a long, flexible tube (enteroscope) in your mouth during the test. The tube travels down into your esophagus, your stomach, and into your small intestine.

The enteroscope has an attached camera and a small balloon at the tip. The camera sends back real-time images of your gastrointestinal tract to an external monitor that your doctor watches to detect abnormalities.

Your physician can inflate and deflate the small balloon as it moves through your small intestine to get clear images of the area.

What if a double balloon enteroscopy reveals lesions?

If your double balloon enteroscopy identifies lesions in your gastrointestinal tract or other gastrointestinal abnormalities, your Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC provider can perform a biopsy during your procedure.

Your physician inserts specialized tools through the enteroscope to remove a sample of tissue. They send this tissue for further evaluation at a medical lab to confirm or rule out cancer and other diseases.

A double balloon enteroscopy may also be beneficial if you have polyps or other blockages in your small bowel. Your provider can take a tissue sample for testing to determine if the polyps are cancerous.

What can I expect after a double balloon enteroscopy?

Because you receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortable during a double balloon enteroscopy, you can expect to spend some time in recovery before you go home. You need someone to drive you and shouldn’t schedule any activities for the rest of the day.

Mild cramping, bloating, and nausea are common after a double balloon enteroscopy. These issues should resolve within a few hours without the need for medical treatment.

Your Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC provider may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a day or two, but you should be able to eat as usual when you get home. If you have a biopsy, your physician will contact you with your results in a few days.

To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of a double balloon enteroscopy, book an appointment online or by calling the Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC office nearest you today.