If you would like to book an appointment or if you have any questions about London Digestive Health, you can get in touch with us by phone or email. Our team will be happy to answer your questions.
London Digestive Health
Balloon enteroscopy
Prior to the development of balloon enteroscopy, surgery was often the only alternative method to treating these conditions of the small intestine.
Balloon enteroscopy is a specialist endoscopic technique that allows the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. It is a safe test with very low risks of significant complications.
The balloon enteroscope enables the endoscopist to:
- Visualise the entire small bowel
- Take tissue samples for analysis
- Remove small tumours and abnormal growths such as polyps
- Treat bleeding problems
- Dilate and stretch narrowings (strictures) of the small bowel
- Mark areas within the small bowel for surgery
What happens during a balloon enteroscopy?
The procedure is carried out by passing the balloon enteroscope either through the mouth or via the back passage, depending on which area of the small bowel needs to be examined, and can last anywhere from 45mins to 2 hours.
It is usually done as a day-case under general anaesthetic or deep sedation, so you will be asleep and not in any pain during the procedure.