To help the procedure go smoothly and safely, we ask that you follow these steps:

• Discuss sedation with us beforehand. Some patients choose it for comfort, though it’s not always necessary.
• You’ll need to fast from lunchtime the day before your procedure. Clear fluids are allowed, but you must fast overnight. Please don’t drink on the morning of the procedure.
• Tell us about all medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners (for example: clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin) or iron supplements.
• Inform us if you have diabetes, as your medication may need to be adjusted on the day.

We ask that you arrive 30 minutes before your enteroscopy. We aim to run on time, but if there’s a delay, we’ll keep you updated. Here’s what to expect:

• Arrival: A nurse will ask about your medical history, medications and any allergies.
• Consultation and consent: We’ll discuss the procedure and any risks and ask for your written consent.
• Preparation: If you’ve chosen to be sedated, we’ll monitor your oxygen and pulse and give you extra oxygen through a small tube in your nose.
• Procedure: Carbon dioxide is used to gently inflate the small bowel for better visibility. The enteroscope is then passed through your mouth or rectum depending on the area being examined.
• Tissue samples or treatments can be performed during the procedure.

Providing treatment during DBE

As well as diagnosis, DBE can be used to manage problems in the small bowel, including:

• Stop bleeding from small bowel blood vessel abnormalities (angioectasias or AV malformations).
• Remove polyps or foreign objects, especially in patients with polyposis syndromes.
• Dilate strictures or narrowings caused by Crohn’s disease, surgery or medications such as NSAIDs.
• Place feeding tubes.
• Take tissue biopsies for diagnosis.

Following your procedure, we’ll make sure you recover safely and comfortably. It’s important to bear in mind the following:

• Your abdomen may feel sore or bloated for a while.
• If you chose to be sedated, we’ll monitor you until fully awake (usually about an hour). You’ll need to have someone to accompany you home.
• Avoid driving, alcohol, operating machinery or making important decisions for 24 hours if sedated.
• While your consultant may discuss initial findings at the time, biopsy results can take up to four working days.

DBE is very safe, and complications are rare. It is, however, important to know what to look out for. Please seek medical advice and contact us urgently if you notice:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Light-headedness or fainting
• Passing blood when using the toilet