Yes. Oral Balloon Enteroscopy is a specialised investigation. A referral from your GP or another specialist is required to ensure this is the most appropriate next step, particularly if previous investigations like a Gastroscopy or Capsule Endoscopy (PillCam) have already been performed.

This procedure is recommended when a standard gastroscopy cannot reach far enough into the small bowel. It is done to investigate and treat cause for blood loss, often following a capsule endoscopy. Other indications include, investigation or treatment of a lesion suspected in small bowel either at capsule endoscopy or abdominal scan (CT or MRI). 

Because this procedure is more detailed and takes longer than a standard gastroscopy, it is performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia. This ensures that you are completely relaxed and comfortable.

Most medications can be taken as usual with a small sip of water. However, it is essential to notify us at least a week in advance if you are taking blood-thinners (such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban) or if you are diabetic, as these will require specific adjustments. Aspirin can be continued without interruption.

Balloon Enteroscopy is a safe, established procedure. Common minor side effects include a sore throat or temporary abdominal bloating. Because it is a more complex procedure than a standard gastroscopy, there is a small risk of pancreatitis or a tear in the bowel lining (perforation). These risks are rare and will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

In most cases, you can eat and drink normally as soon as you are fully awake. If specific treatments were performed during the enteroscopy (such as a large polyp removal), I may provide specific dietary instructions for the first 24–48 hours.

You will  be provided with the preliminary findings and a summary of any treatments performed before you leave the clinic. If biopsies were taken, the formal pathology results can take 1-2 weeks to be reported. I will contact you with summary of results once these are available.