Dr. Iswanto Sucandy showing patient a something on a laptop.

From Pill Cams to Deep Enteroscopy, We Have Ways to See Inside the Small Intestine

Looking inside the small intestine can be important for conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, polyps and cancer of the small intestine, iron deficiency anemia and Crohn’s disease. Seeing the small intestine from within wasn’t even possible at the start of the new millennium. However today, AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa physicians are able to do this with cutting-edge capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy technology.

Capsule Endoscopy (Small Bowel Pill Cam)

Capsule endoscopy involves a one-inch capsule that contains a camera. The patient swallows the capsule like a vitamin, and the camera transmits images to a recorder the patient wears on his or her belt. The capsule passes through the entire digestive tract until the body naturally eliminates it. The procedure involves prep similar to that for colonoscopy, and the actual capsule endoscopy takes eight hours or less if the camera passes through the digestive tract sooner. During its travels, the capsule camera takes tens of thousands of pictures. These pictures are then pieced together into a video for the doctor to review.

This video gives the doctor a better view of:

  • Polyps or lesions
  • Small bowel strictures
  • Lodged foreign objects

Deep Enteroscopy

While capsule endoscopy cannot be used to treat the conditions it discovers, that is where deep enteroscopy comes in. The average adult small intestine is 20 feet long, so the entire length cannot be reached by an endoscope. A balloon-assisted enteroscope is made up of a very thin, flexible, light-and-camera-equipped scope covered by another tube. Attached to the end of the enteroscope is a balloon. The balloon is inflated against the walls of the small intestine, which allows the scope to advance through the intestine. The balloon is then deflated and moved farther into the small intestine. Then the process repeats itself through the full length of the small intestine. The procedure may take several hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. An enteroscope is usually inserted through the mouth. However, it can be used through the rectum when problem areas are near the end of the small intestine or if the entire small intestine cannot be seen from the top end.

What Small Bowel Endoscopy Involves

Preparing for a capsule endoscopy or deep enteroscopy involves fasting for several hours prior to the procedure and stopping certain medications. After swallowing the camera, most patients can drink clear liquids two hours later and eat a small meal four hours later. They can go about their normal activities during the study. Patients who have had a deep enteroscopy will want to rest afterward because of the anesthesia.

Risks Associated with Small Bowel Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is not used for patients with obstructions in their small intestines. This is because there is a slight risk the capsule could get stuck. Should this happen, usually the capsule eventually breaks free. However, occasionally another procedure is needed to retrieve the capsule. The risks associated with deep enteroscopy are similar to upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. There’s a very slight risk of puncturing the intestine wall, and there’s a small risk of bleeding, especially if a biopsy or treatment procedure is performed.

To schedule a capsule endoscopy or deep enteroscopy at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, call 813-615-7557.

Endoscopy Services

  • Upper Endoscopy / Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

    An upper endoscopy helps doctors look at the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine and can help diagnose a range of conditions.

    Learn More

  • Capsule Endoscopy and Deep Enteroscopy

    A capsule endoscopy allows doctors to see into the small intestine, which can be important in diagnosis gastrointestinal bleeding, polyps and cancer.

    Learn More

  • Colonoscopy / Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

     A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is a way for doctors to see inside the colon and rectum to identify issues and perform biopsies.

    Learn More

  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

    Doctors at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa Use ERCP for Pancreas, Gallbladder and Bile Duct Imaging and Advanced Endoscopic Treatment.

    Learn More

  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

    Endoscopic Ultrasound. Comprehensive health services in Tampa are offered at our Digestive Health Institute. We are invested in your long-term health goals.

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  • High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)

    Colorectal Surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa Are HRA Providers (High Resolution Anoscopy) for Anal Cancer Screening.

    Learn More

  • Acid Reflux Measuring Tests

    Doctors at the AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa Mickle Center for Reflux and Esophageal Conditions use outpatient tests to measure Acid Reflux. 

    Learn More
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Faster Recoveries. Better Outcomes.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

All the surgeons at the Digestive Health Institute (DHI) at AdventHealth Tampa have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery. 

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Meet The Experts

Dr. Angelo Fernandes

Angelo Fernandes

MD

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Michael Harris.

Michael Harris

MD

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Yasser Saloum

Yasser Saloum

MD, FACG, FACP

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Arthi Sanjeevi

Arthi Sanjeevi

MD, Epi, MS

Gastroenterologist

Marian Hanhan

Marian Hanhan

PA-C, MPAS

Physician Assistant

Christina Hill

Christina Hill

MPH, PA-C, MMS

Physician Assistant

Justin R. Lawandales

Justin R. Lawandales

MPH, MSN, ARNP

Nurse Practitioner

Meet Our Full Team
Dr. Cory O'Brien checking patient's throat at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute Tampa.

Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without The Wait

Appointments Within 5 Days for Patients with Cancer

At AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within 5 business days, and often earlier. 

Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer recurrence, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with a cancer of the digestive system, don’t wait. 
Call the Digestive Health Institute at 813-615-7557.

Learn More About Our Surgical Cancer Care Program

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Dr. Sucandy, Dr. Rosemurgy and Dr. Ross having a discussion together at a table.
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