Endoscopes and enteroscopes are instruments used by doctors to evaluate the stomach and small bowel. Endoscopy refers to the examination of the bowel using a scope. At times the term is used specifically to indicate a procedure using a standard upper endoscope, but it can also be used more broadly to include tests done with any type of scope. Endoscopes and enteroscopes resemble long, thin tubes with a light and a camera at one end. The images obtained are displayed on a monitor. The scopes have channels that allow special equipment to be passed down them. This equipment can be used to treat whatever is bleeding, to take biopsies, or to mark the location of a problem with a tattoo to aid a surgeon in locating it later.
The test begins with the patient receiving medications to make him or her sleepy. The doctor then passes the scope through the mouth. A regular endoscope is capable of examining the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small bowel, known as the duodenum. In cases where the source of bleeding is thought to be lower down in the small bowel, a longer scope, known as an enteroscope, can be used. This scope is capable of reaching the middle portion of the small bowel, known as the jejunum.