Push ENTEROSCOPY

What is a push enteroscopy?
A push enteroscopy uses a special camera called an enteroscope – a long, thin flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip – which is passed through the mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach and the first and second parts of the small bowel – the duodenum and jejunum. The push enteroscope allows the specialist to perform a detailed examination, as well as perform procedures such as biopsies and removal of polyps.

Why do I need a push enteroscopy?
A push enteroscopy is very similar to having a gastroscopy (which you have very likely had before), however uses a longer scope and goes deeper into the small bowel. Push enteroscopy can detect inflammation, ulcers and abnormal growths, however is typically used to treat bleeding in the first part of the small bowel. The procedure can also be used to look for cancer and can help to work out the cause for unexplained changes in bowel habit.

How is a push enteroscopy performed?
A push enteroscopy is usually performed under a light anaesthetic and is not painful. As a result, you will not be able to drive for 24 hours or operate machinery after the procedure is complete. You will need someone to drive you to and from your procedure.

A thorough inspection of the oesophagus, stomach and small bowel usually takes about 20 minutes. A sample of the bowel lining (biopsy) may be taken to allow a review of it under a microscope or polyps (small tissue growths) may be removed.

What are the risks of a push enteroscopy?
Push enteroscopy is a very safe procedure, and complications are rare when the procedure is performed by doctors who are specially trained in push enteroscopy. A/Prof Chris Mills is currently the only advanced and interventional endoscopist working in Gippsland, with extensive training in all facets of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Very few people experience serious side-effects from push enteroscopy. The most common side effect is bloating. Exceedingly rare complications of push enteroscopy include tearing a small hole in the oesophagus, stomach or small bowel wall (perforation), bleeding, a failure to complete the procedure, an incorrect diagnosis, a missed lesion or complications of the anaesthetic. Please feel free to discuss any of these complications with your specialist if you would like more information prior to your procedure.

I am having a colonoscopy on the same day as my push enteroscopy. What do I do?
Please follow the instructions for your colonoscopy on our factsheet entitled Practical Considerations for Colonoscopy which is enclosed. You do not need to do anything additional or different for the push enteroscopy procedure.

I still have some questions. Where can I go?
For further information, please browse through our Info Section, catch us through our Contact Us page or reach out to our friendly Gippsland Specialist Group staff on (03) 5630 8800.

We also have some other Info Sheets on our website about push enteroscopy that might help - please click here.
To download this Push Enteroscopy Information page as a pdf - please click here.