Enteroscopy in Texas

Your local Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider will give you directions to help prepare for your enteroscopy. Most people can eat as they normally do the day before the procedure, but you should not take anything by mouth after midnight except for your medications. It is vital that you listen to your gastroenterologist's instructions on that. You might also receive further directions about your medications. Generally speaking, you will be able to take them as normal, but special instructions may be provided for diabetics and patients taking blood thinners (including Coumadin®, Plavix®, warfarin, and aspirin).

Your provider will request that you arrive at the endoscopy location in Texas 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your scheduled procedure so that there is adequate time to handle paperwork and any other preparations. Before the enteroscopy, you will change into a medical gown, and an intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your arm to administer a sedative. You will be hooked up to various devices so the provider and staff can watch your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen levels both during and after the procedure.

After getting into the examination room, the staff will direct you to lie down on the exam table on your left side. The sedative will then be administered through the IV. A little bit at a time will be given to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction and that you receive only the necessary dose. Once you have been sedated, the endoscope will be carefully introduced through the mouth and gently pushed through the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. The scope might inject a bit of air into your GI tract to aid the provider in the examination. Any liquid left in the upper gastrointestinal tract can be sucked out through the endoscope. If the exam finds any abnormalities, the provider may take steps at this time to treat them, including removing polyps, taking a biopsy, and managing bleeding. When the test is done, the provider will use the scope to remove as much of the remaining air and fluid as they can. The procedure takes 15 – 45 minutes to complete, depending on what your gastroenterologist finds.

When the enteroscopy is done, you will be taken to a separate recovery room to be watched over while the effects of the sedative fade. Most patients should be alert enough to leave the location within 45 – 60 minutes, though the length of time it takes to wear off depends on how much was administered and the individual's reaction to the sedative. Prepare to have a ride home, as you will be not able to operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. You should also not try to work, sign any important documents, or do anything too strenuous on the body until the next day. The majority of patients can eat, drink, and take medication as usual after they're discharged, but your provider may give you personalized directions before you leave.

When the procedure is done, your local Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider will explain the results of the exam to you. Because of the sedation, many patients won't be able to recall this discussion. If feasible, bring another person with you who can sit in for this conversation. You will also be provided with a copy of the findings to take home with you. Your gastroenterologist should get back to you within one week with any biopsy results.