Sometimes, you may need a more specialized endoscopic procedure as part of the diagnostic process. Certain tests have a greater sensitivity and are able to detect gastrointestinal abnormalities that a regular endoscopy may miss. These procedures include the following:
Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy
Balloon-assisted enteroscopy is an incisionless procedure performed to reach and treat less-accessible colon polyps or areas of bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. During the procedure, gastroenterologists use flexible, tube-like imaging instruments (endoscopes) to see the area of the body being treated.
Balloon-assisted enteroscopy uses endoscopes equipped with balloons that inflate and deflate to pinch together the walls of the GI tract. By compressing the walls, the gastroenterologist can reach and treat less accessible areas. The enteroscopy may be done as an inpatient or outpatient procedure. Eligible patients can avoid surgery and may recover faster.
Cholangioscopy
A physician may choose to perform a cholangioscopy in the event that X-ray imaging from an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is insufficient to make an adequate diagnosis or therapeutic intervention requires direct visualization. Using a single-operator cholangioscopy, your physician will be able to visualize and to examine the biliary, hepatic (liver), and pancreatic ducts.