Small Bowel Enteroscopy (SBE)

A clear guide for patients at Valley Gastroenterology.

What is it?

A procedure using a thin, flexible camera (sometimes with an overtube or balloon) to examine deeper parts of the small intestine that standard endoscopy can’t reach. We can diagnose and treat issues such as bleeding, inflammation, strictures, or suspicious lesions.

Why it’s done

  • Unexplained or recurrent GI bleeding/anemia
  • Abnormal capsule endoscopy or imaging
  • Suspected Crohn’s disease or celiac‑related complications
  • Removal/biopsy of small‑bowel lesions; dilation of narrowings

How to prepare

  • Fasting: Nothing to eat/drink after midnight unless instructed.
  • Medications: Tell us about blood thinners, diabetes meds, and GLP‑1s—we’ll give a plan.
  • Driver required after sedation.
  • If your exam is via the mouth, stop iron 5–7 days before (may darken the bowel). If via the colon, you may receive a bowel prep the day before.

What to expect (day of)

  1. Check‑in and nursing assessment (15–30 min)
  1. Sedation for comfort
  1. Exam typically 30–60 minutes, depending on depth and therapy needed
  1. Recovery 30–60 minutes with a written summary

You may feel a sore throat (if upper route) or gas/bloating (if lower route). Most return to normal activity the next day.

Risks (uncommon)

Bleeding (higher if biopsies/dilation), perforation, pancreatitis (rare with deep enteroscopy), sedation reactions, or missed lesions. We review your individual risks before consent.

After you go home

  • Mild bloating or throat soreness is common and should improve within 24 hours
  • Light spotting may occur if biopsies were taken
  • Call us urgently for severe pain, persistent vomiting, fever >101°F, heavy bleeding, black/tarry stools, or trouble swallowing

Alaska‑specific travel note

We actively monitor Mat‑Su weather and road conditions. If travel is unsafe, we’ll reschedule you promptly without penalty.

Valley Gastroenterology

3190 E Meridian Park Loop, Suite 206

Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Phone: (907) 373-2544

Fax: (844) 689-4240

Web: ValleyGastroAK.com