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 below?
An enteroscopy is a way of looking at the lining of your small bowel. It allows us to take tissue samples (biopsies). We normally recommend you have sedation for this. It is not general anaesthetic so you will not be asleep.
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 60 minutes. In some cases this maybe longer, but this does not mean anything is wrong. You 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 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: (less than 1 in 1000) 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.
Perforation: (or tear in the bowel lining) the risk is about 1 in every 1000. This nearly always needs surgery to repair the hole. This risk is higher if we are removing polyps.
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.
Missed diagnoses: there is a very small risk that the endoscopy misses any abnormalities where the views are 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).
How do I prepare for my enteroscopy?
Your bowel needs to be empty for the examination to be safe. We will give you bowel preparation medication and detailed instructions before the test.
You may be offered a pre-assessment phone call to cover any questions you have. If you have not, you can call the helpline with any queries on 0117 414 5077.
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.
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 to 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 will be given a gown to change into for the procedure. You can bring a dressing gown and slippers with you if you would like you.
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 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.
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 and their assistant. In some cases, another consultant who is doing further training may also be there. They will be learning to perform endoscopy under direct, expert supervision.
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 sedation will be given through the cannula in the back of your hand or arm. Once you are relaxed the procedure will begin.
The endoscopist will do a rectal examination before passing the enteroscope into your bottom. The enteroscope will go through your colon into your small bowel.
It will travel around some bends in the bowel, and this might be a bit uncomfortable for a short time. The sedation and some painkillers will help this.
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. We will give you written discharge advice and remove your cannula. We will offer you refreshments once you have recovered enough.
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?
You may feel bloated due to some air in your bowel but this should stop soon. If you have had biopsies or polyps removed, there may be a small amount of blood in your poo.
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 (tummy) 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: 16 April 2026 Review due: 30 April 2029 PI number: BFT003187