What is an enteroscope?
An enteroscope is a special medical instrument used to examine the small intestine. It is a long, flexible device fitted with a tiny camera and light source, which allows doctors to see inside the intestine.
How does an enteroscope work?
The enteroscope is similar in basic design to an endoscope, but it is much longer because the small intestine is particularly extended compared to other parts of the digestive tract. The camera at the front end sends live images to a monitor, so doctors can look closely at the lining of the small intestine. The device also has channels through which small instruments can be passed when needed, for example to take tissue samples or carry out minor procedures.
When is an enteroscope used?
An enteroscope is used when other examination methods, such as a standard gastroscopy or colonoscopy, are not enough to assess certain areas of the small intestine. This part of the bowel is often difficult to reach with conventional endoscopes. Typical reasons for an enteroscopy include unexplained bleeding, chronic diarrhoea, suspected inflammation, polyps, or tumours in the small intestine.
With the help of the enteroscope, changes can be found that remain hidden on a normal ultrasound or X-ray. This allows doctors to look specifically for the causes of symptoms when other examinations have not produced clear results.
How does an examination with an enteroscope work?
The procedure in which an enteroscope is used is called an enteroscopy. Depending on the question being investigated and the technique used, it is carried out either through the mouth (oral enteroscopy) or, less commonly, through the back passage (anal enteroscopy). The device is carefully inserted and slowly guided through the stomach and the upper section of the small intestine. Thanks to its flexible design, the enteroscope adapts to the natural curves of the intestine.
During the examination, a light anaesthetic or sedation is usually given so that no pain is felt and the procedure is as comfortable as possible. The length of time it takes can vary, depending on how far the instrument needs to be advanced and whether additional steps such as taking samples are necessary.
What does the term "enteroscope" mean in a medical letter?
If the word "enteroscope" appears in a medical letter or report, it usually means that a specialist examination of the small intestine was carried out. Sometimes the report also states which enteroscope model or technique was used. The term itself only describes the instrument that was used, not a diagnosis or illness. What matters most are the other details in the report, as these explain whether anything unusual was found, whether samples were taken, or whether any treatment was carried out.
Are there any risks when using an enteroscope?
As with any endoscopic examination, there are certain risks with enteroscopy. In rare cases, these include injury to the bowel wall, minor bleeding after tissue samples are taken, or reactions to the sedative medication given. Overall, however, the procedure is considered safe and is carried out routinely in specialist centres. The medical team takes care to keep the risk as low as possible and will explain all the important details beforehand.
Important notes about the term
The word "enteroscope" appears frequently in medical reports, operation notes, or pathology findings. It always refers to the specialist device used to examine the small intestine. The exact meaning in each individual case depends on the context in the medical letter, for example whether the procedure was purely for diagnosis or whether treatment also took place.
The word itself does not describe a medical condition, but simply the instrument that was used. Further information about the findings or diagnosis can usually be found in the rest of the report.
