Deep enteroscopy, also known as balloon-assisted enteroscopy is an incision-less procedure that helps reach and treat less accessible colon polyps or areas of bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and retrieves tissue samples for biopsy.


Gastroenterologists may also use balloon-assisted enteroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions such as:

  • GI bleeding
  • Polyps or a foreign object in the small intestine
  • Narrowed or obstructed pathway in the upper or lower GI tract

Our team of North American and European Certified gastroenterologists utilize deep enteroscopy to treat conditions affecting the upper and lower GI tract, including the small intestine, which is difficult to access using other procedures.

How is the procedure performed?

A balloon or spiral-assisted enteroscopy is performed under general anesthesia to treat upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders.

During the procedure, the gastroenterologist guides an endoscope equipped with balloons that inflate and deflate to pinch together the walls of the GI tract until it reaches the small intestine. In some cases, the physician might even use an X-ray for better localization.