enteroscope

A speculum for inspecting the inside of the intestine in operative cases. [entero- + G. skopeo, to view]

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n.

an illuminated optical instrument used to inspect the interior of the small intestine. The image is transmitted through a fibreoptic bundle or by a tiny video-camera. The push type, about 280 cm long and of variable stiffness, is introduced by guidance under direct vision. The sonde type, about 280 cm long, has an inflatable balloon that pulls the instrument through the length of the intestine by peristalsis. The enteroscope is useful in diagnosing the cause of haemorrhage of the small intestine or of stricture.

• enteroscopy n.

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en·tero·scope (enґtər-o-skōp) [entero- + -scope] an endoscope, usually fiberoptic, for examining the lumen of the intestine.