Performing Deep (Balloon) Enteroscopy in Williamsport, PA

Deep enteroscopy, also called balloon endoscopy, is a balloon-assisted procedure that allows advancement of a long endoscope into the small intestine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The small bowel, almost 20 feet in length, was relatively inaccessible until the development of recent technology.

This procedure provides cost-efficient, non-surgical small bowel therapy and makes it possible to biopsy tissue, dilate strictures, remove polyps, and stop bleeding from the small bowel.

There are two types of balloon-assisted enteroscopy: double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single-balloon enteroscopy.

Deep Enteroscopy Prep

This procedure requires a period of fasting ranging from eight to ten hours prior to your appointment. Depending on your health status, you might be required to change your diet or medications. You will receive a sedative and pain medications for your comfort. A local anesthetic might be sprayed into your mouth to suppress cough or gag reflex. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth.

How It Works

An endoscope will be inserted through your mouth and down into your esophagus, stomach and intestine. On the tip of the scope is a balloon, which will be blown up and deflated to allow the endoscope to be moved farther into the small intestine. The procedure should be painless with the sedation methods utilized.

After the Procedure

When you are fully awake, the doctor will discuss any findings with you. You may feel a little bloated but this should subside in a short period of time. You should arrange for someone to take you home. You will not be allowed to drive and should rest for the remainder of the day. You may have light meals and fluids. Follow any specific discharge instructions as recommended by your doctor.

At UPMC Susquehanna, digestive disease providers offer balloon endoscopy in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.