What is a small-bowel endoscopy? How does it differ from a colonoscopy? What should you expect during the procedure? Get all the answers and more in this comprehensive guide.

Understanding Small Bowel Endoscopy

A small-bowel endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the entire small intestine, which is approximately 20 feet long. This procedure is particularly valuable in diagnosing and treating conditions such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, which can affect the small bowel.

How Does Small Bowel Endoscopy Work?

During a small-bowel endoscopy, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope that has a light and a video camera at the end. Special balloons are fitted over the endoscope to help move it through the small bowel. By inflating and deflating the balloons, the doctor is able to examine nearly any part of the small intestine, allowing for a precise diagnosis of the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms.

Differences Between Small Bowel Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

While both small-bowel endoscopy and colonoscopy are types of endoscopic procedures, they differ in their focus and application. Colonoscopy is designed to examine the large intestine (colon), whereas small-bowel endoscopy is specifically used to view the small intestine. This distinction is crucial, as Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, making small-bowel endoscopy the better choice for locating and diagnosing this condition.

What to Expect During a Small-Bowel Endoscopy

Before the procedure, patients may be instructed to fast (not eat or drink) to ensure an empty stomach. They may also need to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications, as these can increase the risk of bleeding during the endoscopy. On the day of the procedure, the patient will be sedated by an anesthesiologist, and the doctor will then pass the endoscope through the mouth and stomach and into the small intestine. The patient will not feel any pain during the procedure, which typically lasts one to two hours.

Preparing for Your Small-Bowel Endoscopy

To prepare for a small-bowel endoscopy, patients will need to follow specific instructions provided by their doctor, which may include fasting, stopping certain medications, and undergoing additional tests or procedures. It’s important to communicate any concerns or questions to the healthcare team to ensure a smooth and successful endoscopy.

The Importance of Small-Bowel Endoscopy

Small-bowel endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows healthcare providers to accurately identify the cause of a patient’s digestive issues and develop a targeted treatment plan. By examining the entire small intestine, this procedure can help detect and manage a wide range of conditions, including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders.

What Happens After the Small-Bowel Endoscopy?

After the endoscopy, the patient will rest until the sedation wears off. They will not be able to drive, so they should plan to have someone available to take them home. The healthcare team will provide instructions on any follow-up care or treatment that may be necessary based on the findings of the endoscopy.

The Role of Specialists in Small-Bowel Endoscopy

Small-bowel endoscopy is a complex procedure that requires specialized expertise. At Henry Ford Health, the team includes specialists in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have the knowledge and skills needed to perform this procedure effectively and diagnose the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms accurately.

The Benefits of Small-Bowel Endoscopy

The primary benefit of small-bowel endoscopy is its ability to provide a comprehensive view of the small intestine, allowing healthcare providers to identify the root cause of a patient’s digestive issues and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This minimally invasive procedure can also be used to perform certain treatments, such as the removal of polyps or the delivery of targeted therapies.

Conclusion

Small-bowel endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that plays a crucial role in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly Crohn’s disease and celiac disease. By understanding the process, expectations, and benefits of this procedure, patients can feel more informed and empowered in their healthcare journey.