Ileoscopy is a medical procedure that involves examining the ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) using an endoscope. It is typically performed during a colonoscopy or as a standalone procedure to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the small intestine.

Indications for Ileoscopy

Ileoscopy is commonly used to:

1. Diagnose and monitor conditions like:
   • Crohn’s disease
   • Celiac disease
   • Small intestinal tumors or polyps
   • Tuberculosis or other infections
2. Investigate symptoms such as:
   • Chronic diarrhea
   • Abdominal pain
   • Unexplained weight loss
3. Evaluate post-surgical complications, such as in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.
4. Perform biopsies of the ileum for histological examination.

Procedure Steps

1. Preparation:
   • The patient undergoes bowel preparation similar to a colonoscopy, typically involving a liquid diet and a bowel-cleansing solution.
   • Patients may receive sedation or anesthesia for comfort.
2. Insertion of the Endoscope:
   • The procedure usually starts with a colonoscopy.
   • The endoscope is advanced through the colon into the terminal ileum.
3. Examination and Intervention:
   • The doctor inspects the ileal mucosa for abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, strictures, or polyps.
   • If necessary, biopsies are taken using specialized instruments passed through the endoscope.
   • Therapeutic interventions, such as dilation of strictures or removal of polyps, may be performed if required.
4. Completion:
   • After the ileum has been examined, the endoscope is carefully withdrawn.
   • The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Post-Procedure Care

• Recovery:
  • Patients are monitored for a short period after the procedure, especially if sedatives were used.
  • Most patients can return to normal activities the same day, barring complications.
• Potential Side Effects:
  • Mild bloating or cramping due to air introduced during the procedure.
  • Rare complications include bleeding, infection, or perforation of the intestine.
• Follow-Up:
  • Results of biopsies or findings are discussed with the patient, and further treatment plans are developed based on the diagnosis.