Definition of Enteroscopy

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Enteroscopy: The use of a flexible instrument (a "scope") to examine the small intestine, a very long hollow tube located between the stomach and colon (large intestine) and made up of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

The upper parts of the small intestine, the duodenum and jejunum, are usually examined as an extension of upper endoscopy, where the instrument is introduced through the mouth, esophagus (swallowing tube), and stomach. The lower part of the small intestine, the ileum, is often seen during colonoscopy, after the instrument passes through the rectum and colon. Using both types of enteroscopy, the lining of the small intestine can be examined visually with the option of taking biopsy tissue samples, if need be.