Double Balloon Endoscopy (Enteroscopy)
What Is Double Balloon Endoscopy?
Double balloon endoscopy (enteroscopy) is an endoscopic investigation of the entire small intestine, using a gastroscope or colonoscope and a tube with two balloons that help to drag the intestine over the endoscope (1). Investigation is done to:
- Make biopsies of suspicious mucosal lesions found by capsule endoscopy, mainly for diagnosis of celiac and Crohn’s disease, small intestinal tumors and unexplained bowel bleeding.
- Dilatation of strictures, removing of foreign objects, stopping of bleeding, etc.
Procedure takes from 45 minutes to 2 hours under sedation or short term anesthesia. Preparation is the same as in colonoscopy.
Pictures of double ballon endoscopy (enteroscope, procedure and small intestinal lesions)
Related Articles:
- Upper Endoscopy Procedure – Video Included
- Tests in Food Allergies and Intolerances
- Tests in Chronic Diarrhea and Bloating
- What is Celiac Disease
References
- Double balloon enteroscopy (northshore.org)