What is an upper endoscopy with double balloon enteroscopy?
An upper endoscopy with double balloon enteroscopy is a procedure that is used to examine the small intestines (small bowel). During this procedure, a doctor examines the lining of your small intestine through a flexible tube called an endoscope. This is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted through the mouth into the upper gastrointestinal tract. During a double balloon enteroscopy, balloons attached to the endoscope can be inflated to allow the doctor to view the entire small bowel. If growths, bleeding or other abnormalities are found during the procedure, the doctor may remove the abnormal tissue, take a biopsy or treat the affected area.
What happens during an upper endoscopy with double balloon enteroscopy?
Plan to spend up to three hours at the hospital the day of your procedure. The procedure itself takes up to 90 minutes to complete.
Before the procedure:
Your medical history will be reviewed with you by your health care team including a nurse, your gastroenterology physician and an anesthesia provider. An IV line will be placed.
During the procedure:
During your procedure, the anesthesia provider will administer medications and monitor vital signs. The anesthesiologist and/or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) will help determine the appropriate type of drug to be used during the procedure to keep you safe and comfortable.
What happens after the procedure?
The physician will talk with you about the initial results of your procedure and will prepare a full report for the healthcare provider who referred you for your upper endoscopy. You may have some bloating after the procedure which is normal. Your throat may feel sore for a short time. Any tissue samples or polyps removed during the procedure will be sent to a lab for evaluation. It may take 5-7 working days for you to be notified of the results by mail or through the Patient Portal.
You may resume most of your regular activities the day after the procedure. However, medication given during the procedure will prohibit you from driving for the rest of the day. You may resume your normal diet, but alcohol should be avoided until the next day after your procedure.
Are there possible complications from an upper endoscopy with double balloon?
Although serious complications are rare, any medical procedure has the potential for risks. Risks from an upper endoscopy with double balloon include a 1% chance of pancreatitis, perforation, or a tear, of the lining of the stomach or esophagus, bleeding from a biopsy site, reactions to medications, heart and lung problems, and dental or eye injuries.
