What is a Push Enteroscopy?
A push enteroscopy, also known simply as an enteroscopy, is a procedure that analyzes the small intestine in its entirety. The first part of the small intestine, specifically the duodenum and jejunum, can be examined using this enteroscope, which is like an endoscope, but it’s longer. Similar to an EGD or endoscopy, the instrument is inserted through the mouth and advanced to the stomach and beyond with a gentle pushing action.
Causes for a Push Enteroscopy
Your gastroenterologist may recommend a push enteroscopy if signs and symptoms are pointing to an abnormality occurring in the upper portion of the small bowel. Recurrent or persistent symptoms that may warrant a push enteroscopy can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Anemia
It’s important to note that a push enteroscopy is usually a follow up to another diagnostic test, like an endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy or other radiology imaging tests.
Preparing for a Push Enteroscopy
Prior to testing, your physician will discuss any special needs, medical conditions or current medications you’re taking to best determine whether those should be held leading up to the procedure. In preparing for your push enteroscopy, you will be asked to fast for at least 8 hours, and only drink clear liquids for 6 hours leading up to the procedure. It’s likely that you’ll be asked to refrain from consuming anything starting about two hours prior to the procedure. You should plan to take the day off from work and have a support person lined up to drive you home. Since this procedure uses sedation, you will not be advised to drive or work until the following day.
What to Expect During a Push Enteroscopy
Plan to arrive roughly 20-30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure. Your care team will place an IV that will administer the sedation once the procedure begins. This procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and patients are usually asked to lie on their left side for the entirety of it. During the procedure, your physician will likely take some soft tissue biopsies, remove polyps or cauterize lesions that may be causing adverse symptoms or bleeding.
What to Expect Following a Push Enteroscopy
Following your push enteroscopy, your care team will keep you in post operative recovery for up to 45 minutes while the sedation wears off. It’s not uncommon to experience a sore throat following the procedure, too. Once discharge criteria has been met, your gastroenterologist will discuss preliminary findings with you and provide you with your own copy of the report. Depending on what is found during the enteroscopy, you may have diet or medication restrictions to follow upon leaving the hospital. Your doctor will likely schedule a follow up once all reports from your procedure are complete to discuss diagnosis and treatment. Rest assured that you will be provided with discharge instructions as you head home with your responsible driver.