Enteroscopy in Louisiana

Before your enteroscopy, you will receive directives from your GastroGroup & Endocenter GI specialist regarding preparation needs. Most individuals will likely be allowed to eat as normal the day prior to their exam. You will be told not to consume anything by mouth after midnight apart from any medications you take. It is critical to adhere to the directive given to you by your GI specialist. There will also be further information regarding your medications. In the majority of instances, your medications can be taken as instructed. However, in select circumstances, especially in those who take anti-coagulants and in diabetics, specific guidelines will be provided.

You will be asked to enter the endoscopy unit 1 to 1.5 hours ahead of your enteroscopy procedure. This is to allow time to complete paperwork and prepare for the procedure. You will be asked to switch into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm so sedation can be given to you. We will connect you to equipment that will let us keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, breathing, oxygen levels, and more while you're in our care.

Once settled in your exam room, we'll have you lie down on your left side on the procedure table. The IV will be started. Small amounts are given at a time to ensure you won't have an adverse reaction to the medication. Once an adequate level of sedation is achieved, the endoscope will be gently introduced into the mouth. The scope will be carefully advanced through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A little bit of air will be injected through the scope into your GI tract to help your physician see. Any fluid remaining in the upper gastrointestinal tract is suctioned out through the scope. Based on the outcome of the exam, several things can be suggested at the time of the procedure, like removal of polyps, biopsies, and control of bleeding. Once we're done with your procedure, as much of the air and remaining fluid as possible is drew out via the scope. Depending on the findings, the procedure often takes somewhere between 15 – 45 minutes.

After the exam is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to be supervised while the sedation starts to wear off. The amount of IV sedation given during your enteroscopy and your particular reaction to the medication will determine how quickly you come to, though most of our patients are alert enough to be released after about 45 – 60 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive for the rest of the day, so you will need to have someone take you home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign official papers, or perform strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Most patients are capable of eating and drinking normally after being released from the endoscopy center, however, specific instructions about activities, medications, and eating will be given before your are discharged.

After the enteroscopy procedure, your GastroGroup & Endocenter team will go over the results of your procedure with you. Most patients have difficulty remembering the results of the exam because of the effects of the sedation. We recommend, if possible, to bring someone with you for these results. You will also go home with a report. You will be informed of any biopsy results usually within one week.