Enteroskopialla

Enteroskopialla refers to performing enteroscopy, an endoscopic examination of the small intestine using specialized endoscopes. It enables direct visualization, biopsy, and certain therapeutic interventions in the mid and distal small bowel that are not accessible with standard upper endoscopy or colonoscopy.

The main techniques include push enteroscopy, single-balloon enteroscopy, and double-balloon enteroscopy, with balloon-assisted approaches allowing deeper insertion into the small intestine. Endoscopes may be passed orally to the proximal small intestine or via the anus for distal segments.

Indications include obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, suspected Crohn's disease of the small bowel, evaluation of small-bowel strictures, polyps, tumors, or other inflammatory conditions, and localization for surgical planning.

Procedural capabilities include visual assessment of mucosa, targeted biopsies, dilation of strictures, therapeutic hemostasis, retrieval of foreign bodies, and, in selected cases, stent placement or dilation to relieve obstruction. The technique complements capsule endoscopy and imaging studies.

Preparation and safety: patients fast prior to enteroscopy; bowel cleansing is used in deep enteroscopy, and anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents may be managed per protocol. Risks include perforation, bleeding, pancreatitis, infection, and sedation-related complications. The procedure is time-consuming and requires specialized equipment and experienced endoscopists.

Limitations and context: enteroskopialla is a specialized, resource-intensive modality with variable reach depending on technique and patient tolerance. It is typically performed in tertiary care centers when endoscopic evaluation of the small intestine is necessary and after noninvasive tests have been considered.