Important information
Please read all of this leaflet or you may miss important information about your test. If you do not follow the instructions we may need to cancel your test on the day.
What is an enteroscopy from above?
An enteroscopy is a way of looking at the lining of your small bowel. The endoscope is passed through the mouth, into the oesophagus, and to the duodenum (small bowel). It is normally done with sedation - you won’t be fully unconcious. The consultant will also spray your throat with a local anaesthetic to numb your throat.
Please make sure a responsible adult is available to collect you from the department and stay with you for at least 6 hours. Make sure you bring their contact details so we can let them know you are ready to be collected.
How long will the enteroscopy take?
An enteroscopy takes around 30 to 45 minutes. In some cases this maybe longer, but this does not mean anything is wrong. should expect to be in the department 2 to 4 hours.Unfortunately, it may not always be possible to run to time. The staff will try to keep you informed.
Why do I need to have an enteroscopy?
To help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms, or to follow-up from a previous examination like an X-ray, scan, or pill camera test. It does this by looking directly at the lining of your small bowel.
Finding the cause of your symptoms helps us treat you, and if necessary, decide on further tests. During this test we may take a biopsy (small sample of tissue) for testing. The tissue is removed through the endoscope using tiny forceps and does not hurt.
What are the benefits to this procedure?
To help diagnose and/or treat your condition. It may also help your doctor decide if any further investigations are required.
What if I do not have the enteroscopy or change my mind?
It may be difficult to diagnose your condition or offer suitable treatment. You may find it helpful to discuss the test with your family, friends, and/or GP. If you decide not to go ahead, please let us know.
Can I seek a second opinion?
Yes, please seek advice from your GP or referring consultant.
Is there an alternative to an enteroscopy?
Other tests like MRI and CT scans are useful but you cannot take samples during them.
What are the risks?
Bleeding: (1 in 100-200) there is a small risk of bleeding due to damage from the endoscope or when biopsies are taken. This is usually minor and stops without treatment. If it does not, be controlled by cauterization or injection treatment.
Aspiration: there is a small risk of inhaling secretions (dribble) into your lungs. To reduce this risk you must follow the instructions about fasting to make sure your stomach is empty. Staff looking after you will help protect your airway by suctioning secretions.
Reaction to medication: sedation may cause a problem with breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure. You will be monitored during the procedure to look out for this. Medication to reverse the sedation is available and we will support you as needed.
Perforation: (or tear in the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel) the risk is about 1 in every 1000. This would mean you need to stay in hospital and may need an emergency operation.
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas (less than 1 in 100).
Missed diagnoses: there is a very small risk that the endoscopy misses any abnormalities. This is because the folds in the lining of the digestive tract makes the view less clear.
Failure to complete the procedure: your comfort and safety are our priority, we will stop at any time if we cannot ensure this, or if there is a problem with equipment (this is rarer).
Dental damage: a small risk of damage to any crowned teeth or dental bridge work. A nurse will hold a mouth guard in place during the procedure to reduce this risk.
How do I prepare for my enteroscopy?
Your stomach needs to be empty for the examination to be safe.
On the day of your test, you must not eat any food for 6 hours before your appointment time.
You can continue to drink clear liquids until 3 hours before your appointment time.
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, as you may feel slightly bloated with air following your procedure.
If you have a heavy cold, sore throat, or chest infection, you may need to postpone your enteroscopy until you feel better. Please contact the endoscopy department for advice.
What about my medication?
You should take all your usual medication at the normal times with small sips of water unless you have been advised not to. Some medications need to be stopped or adjusted 1-2 weeks before your appointment.
Please notify the department as soon as possible if you:
- have diabetes
- take medication to thin your blood/prevent clotting like warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, clopidogrel
- take long term steroids
- take iron tablets
- take weight loss injections
Why have I been asked if I have a pacemaker/internal cardiac defibrillator?
Implanted permanent pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators latest device checks will be reviewed before your appointment. Please notify the department if you have one.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
- A list of your medications and any you may need to take while you are in the department, such as insulin, inhalers, or GTN spray.
- You are advised not to bring valuables with you. Your belongings will stay with you throughout your stay.
- You do not need to undress for your test but should wear loose, comfortable clothing.
What happens when I arrive?
Please speak to the receptionist. They will check your details and may ask you to complete a form with details of your medical history, and contact details of your next of kin and the person collecting you.
We ask your family and friends not to come with you you beyond this point. The department can be very busy and space is limited. We will tell them the approximate time that you will be ready. The recovery staff will call them with a time they can collect you.
The nurse will take you to an admission room to complete the paperwork, check your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels to make sure you are well enough to have the procedure. If you have diabetes the nurse may also test your blood glucose level.
A cannula (flexible needle) will be inserted into a vein in the back of your hand or arm so that the intravenous sedation can be given.
The consultant will discuss the risks and benefits of having the procedure to make sure you understand what the procedure involves. You will be asked to sign the consent form. You will be able to ask questions at this point.
Will I have sedation?
The procedure is routinely carried out under sedation. A local anaesthetic is sprayed onto the back of your throat, which makes it easier for the endoscope to pass down. The sedation will make you drowsy but not unconscious. You will still hear what is being said to you. You need to arrange for someone to collect you from the unit and stay with you for at least 8 hours.
Your reaction times will be slower and your judgement affected so you will not be able to drive, operate heavy machinery, sign any legally binding documents, or look after small children or vulnerable adults for 24 hours.
Can my relative/friend stay with me?
There is limited space within the department so unfortunately this is not possible. We will advise them of an approximate time for you to be collected.
Will I be in a mixed ward?
There are separate male/female waiting and recovery areas.
Who will be in the procedure room with me?
- A nurse who will monitor and support you.
- The consultant/endoscopist who will do the procedure.
- Another nurse who will assist the endoscopist.
The procedure will be done by a consultant or a non-medical/ clinical endoscopist. In some cases, an endoscopist who is doing further training (a qualified professional) may also be there. They will be learning to perform endoscopy under direct, expert supervision.
If you would prefer not to have your enteroscopy done by someone training, you can tell us before coming into the procedure room.
Student nurses may also be there and be supervised by the training nursing staff.
What can I expect during the procedure?
When you enter the room, you will be introduced to the team. A checklist will be completed and you will be asked to confirm your details. This is standard procedure to ensure your safety.
You will be made comfortable on a trolley and any monitoring equipment attached. The nurse looking after you will be at your head throughout.
The consultant will spray the back of your throat. You will lie on your left-hand side and a mouth guard be placed between your teeth. We will ask you to remove any dentures or plates. The nurse looking after you will be at your head throughout.
The sedation will be given through the cannula in the back of your hand or arm. Once you are relaxed the procedure will begin.
When the consultant passes the endoscope over the back of your tongue, or through your nose, it is important to stay calm.
Is enteroscopy painful?
It is normal to feel some discomfort during the procedure due to air being introduced into the stomach. You may have a sore throat afterwards, but this will pass.
What happens after the procedure?
You will be taken into the recovery area for monitoring. When you have recovered from the initial effects of the sedation the staff will contact your relative/friend to tell them when you will be ready to go home. Once the throat spray has worn off you will be offered refreshments and your cannula will be removed.
When do I find out the results?
Before you leave the department the results of will be explained to you together with any further tests that may be required.
Biopsies usually take at least 2 weeks to be processed, sometimes longer. You will be told the results by letter or at an outpatient appointment.
How will I feel after the enteroscopy?
Your throat may feel a bit sore. It will settle without treatment, but simple pain medication like paracetamol may help.
You may feel bloated due to air still in your stomach but this should soon settle.
What should I do when I get home?
Rest quietly for the rest of the day. You will be able to return to normal activities after 24 hours. You will be given detailed discharge advice before you leave the unit.
What if I feel unwell or have any concerns after I have been discharged?
If you have any of the following please contact your GP, NHS 111, or go to the Emergency Department and take your results with you:
- a fever
- passing a lot of blood from your bottom or black stools (poo)
- severe abdominal pain
- severe bloating or vomiting
A copy of your results is sent to your GP. You will also be given a copy in case you need to seek medical advice before your GP receives their copy.
If you have any concerns about your test please contact the helpline. Leave your name, number and a short message: 0117 414 5077.
Date published: 25 March 2026 Review due: 31 March 2029 PI number: BFT002823