Enteroscopy in Northwest Arkansas

Before the day of your procedure, you will receive directions from your GI Alliance of Arkansas provider about the required prep. For the most part, patients will be allowed to eat as normal the day leading up to the enteroscopy. Patients will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight except for any medications they take. It is very important to adhere to the guidelines provided by our team. There will also be more information about medications. In the majority of instances, your medications can continue as per usual. However, in some patients, especially patients on blood thinners and who have diabetes, special instructions will be given.

Your gastroenterologist will ask you to show up to the endoscopy unit 1 – 1.5 hours ahead of your enteroscopy exam. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and get prepped. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. An IV catheter will be inserted in your arm so sedation can be given to you. We will connect you to equipment that will let us monitor 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 our procedure bed. The IV sedation will be started. Small amounts are given at a time to ensure your safety and to provide just the amount you specifically need. After the correct level of sedation is reached, the endoscope will be gradually inserted into your mouth. We will carefully advance the scope through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A bit of air is injected through the scope into your GI tract to help your physician see. The remaining fluid in the upper gastrointestinal tract is suctioned out through the scope. Depending on the outcome of your exam, a number of things can be done at the time of your enteroscopy, such as biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. Once we're done, as much of the air and remaining fluid as possible is suctioned out via the scope. Depending on our findings, the procedure takes approximately 15 – 45 minutes.

Once the exam is done, you will be transferred to recovery to be supervised while the sedation starts to wear off. The amount of sedation given during your exam and your particular response to the medication will determine how fast you come to, though many patients are awake enough for discharge within 45 – 60 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive for the rest of the day; therefore, you will need to have arrangements made for someone to take you home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign official documents, or perform taxing activities for the remainder of the day. Most patients are fine to eat and drink normally after being discharged from the endoscopy facility. However, specific instructions regarding activity, medications, and eating will be discussed before discharge.

Following your enteroscopy procedure, your GI Alliance of Arkansas team will review the outcome of the exam with you. Most patients will struggle to remember what they are told after the exam because of the effects of the sedation. It is recommended, if possible, to bring someone with you who can lend a second pair of ears. We will also send you home with a report. You will be given any biopsy results usually within one week.