Enteroscopic

Enteroscopic refers to procedures that use enteroscopy, an endoscopic examination of the small intestine. Enteroscopy encompasses several techniques designed to visualize, diagnose, and treat disorders of the small bowel that are difficult to assess with standard upper or lower endoscopy. The field includes capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy, among other methods.

Capsule enteroscopy involves swallowing a small, pill-sized camera that wirelessly transmits images as it moves through the digestive tract. It is minimally invasive and particularly useful for evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and suspected small-bowel pathology. Limitations include inability to obtain biopsies or perform therapy, and the risk of capsule retention in regions of narrowing or strictures. Contraindications include known or suspected intestinal obstruction, fistula, or motility disorders that could trap the capsule.

Balloon-assisted enteroscopy, including double-balloon and single-balloon techniques, uses an endoscope paired with an overtube containing inflatable balloons. The balloons enable deep intubation of the small intestine and allow targeted biopsies, polypectomy, dilation of strictures, and other therapeutic interventions. Procedures can be performed via antegrade (oral) or retrograde (anal) approaches and can be more time-consuming and technically demanding but offer diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities beyond capsule endoscopy.

Clinical use of enteroscopy centers on diagnosing and managing small-bowel diseases such as obscure GI bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, Crohn’s disease, small-bowel tumors, and polyposis syndromes. Complications are uncommon but can include perforation, bleeding, capsule retention, and adverse reactions to sedation.