Three esteemed gastroenterology doctors, Dr. Ayodele Osowo, Dr. Oluffemi Abiodun, and Dr. Sunbal Zafar, are always eager to see patients at Gastroenterology Practice Associates. This includes residents of Arlington and Southlake, TX, who may need a balloon enteroscopy procedure.

What is a Balloon Enteroscopy?

This procedure is considered nonsurgical and minimally invasive and it allows the doctor to examine abdominal tissue without having to cut into the abdomen. Patients are sedated during the procedure.

Trained doctors use a special balloon-shaped tool to examine your upper GI system (upper enteroscopy). A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth, which is then passed through the esophagus and into the stomach. There, it explores all tissue areas to locate any problems that may need treatment.

This balloon procedure can also examine your small intestine (lower enteroscopy.) Here, the doctor inserts the camera tube through your anus and rectum and into the colon. If the doctor finds dangerous polyps, they can be removed.

Why is a Balloon Endoscopy Ordered?

This procedure provided by Gastroenterology Practice Associates should be part of a yearly physical examination for residents in Arlington, TX, and Southlake, TX. If you have one procedure and receive a clean bill of health, another follow-up is usually not needed again for several years unless you have symptoms of upper or lower GI problems.

Drs. Osowo, Abiodun, and Zafar may order a variety of examinations, such as a double balloon, single balloon, or a spiral overtube for the following symptoms or reasons:

• GI bleeding (vomiting or passing blood in the stool)
• Abnormal blood test results
• Possible tumors
• Small bowel obstruction
• Malnutrition/poor nutritional absorption
• Unexplained and severe diarrhea
• Obtain tissue samples
• To remove polyps or a foreign object
• Cauterize a bleeding lesion in the small intestine
• To stretch a tight esophagus or bowel

Some procedures require specific preparations. Our doctors and staff can discuss the necessary process. These are typically performed as outpatient procedures unless a patient is already in the hospital. This means you can often be driven home after you awaken and recover.

Possible After-Effects of Upper/Lower Procedure

• Feeling of fullness/abdominal bloating
• Mild abdominal cramping
• Possible minor bleeding
• Nausea
• Sore throat

Seeking Gastroenterology Testing?

Whether you need quality gastroenterology testing, to discuss a balloon enteroscopy, or to meet with a gastroenterology doctor to manage your GI system and related medical conditions, Drs. Osowo, Abiodun, and Zafar at Gastroenterology Practice Associates in Arlington and Southlake, TX, can help. Call us today at (817) 468-7200 to schedule a consultation appointment.