Enteroscopy in Little Rock, AR

Prior to your enteroscopy, you will receive instructions from your GastroArkansas GI doctor about the needed preparation. A large number of individuals will likely be cleared to eat like normal the day prior to their procedure. You will be told not to eat or drink anything after 12:00 a.m. apart from any medications you take. It is important to adhere to the guidelines provided by our team. There will also be more information regarding your medications. In the majority of cases, your medications can be taken as instructed. However, in some cases, particularly in those on blood thinners and who are diabetic, special rules will be given.

You will need to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours prior to your enteroscopy procedure. This ensures you're able to complete patient forms and prepare for the procedure. You will be asked to switch into a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted in your arm so that sedation can be given to you. We will connect you to equipment that will enable our providers to keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, breathing, oxygen levels, and more during and after the exam.

Once in your exam room, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the procedure table. The IV sedation will be started. We'll give it to you in small amounts at a time to verify you don't have a reaction to the medication and to provide only the amount you specifically need. After an adequate amount of sedation is reached, the endoscope will be gradually placed into your mouth. We will carefully advance the scope through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. A little bit of air is injected through the scope into your GI tract to help your physician see. Any remaining fluid in your upper gastrointestinal tract is removed through the scope. Depending on the outcome of your exam, several procedures or treatments can be done at the time of the procedure, such as removal of polyps, biopsies, and control of bleeding. Once we're done with your procedure, the remaining air and fluid is drawn out through the scope. Based on what we find, the exam often takes somewhere between 15 – 45 minutes.

After the exam, you will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored while the sedation wears off. The amount of sedation given during the exam and your individual response to the sedation will dictate how quickly you come to, though many patients are awake enough to be released within 45 – 60 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive for the rest of the day, so you will need to have arrangements made for someone to take you home. You will not be able to work, sign important papers, or perform strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Many of our patients are able to eat and drink normally after being released from the endoscopy facility, however, instructions about activity and exercise, eating, and medications will be given prior to discharge.

Following your enteroscopy exam, your GastroArkansas team will discuss the findings of the procedure with you. Most people will not remember what they are told after the exam due to the effects of the medication. We recommend, if possible, to bring someone with you for these results. You will also go home with a typed report. You will be provided with any biopsy results usually within one week.