A hospital or outpatient center performs a small bowel enteroscopy. Anesthetics can be gargled or sprayed on the back of the throat to provide local anesthesia. In addition to relaxing the gag reflex, the anesthetic numbs the throat. If a sedative is to be administered, an intravenous (IV) needle will be placed in an arm vein. It is important for patients to remain relaxed and comfortable when taking sedatives. During sedation, vital signs are monitored by doctors and other medical staff. The procedure is carried out on an examination table with the patient lying on their back or side. Endoscopes are carefully inserted down the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. The intestinal lining can be examined up close using a small camera mounted on the endoscope. The stomach and duodenum are inflated with air through the endoscope so they are easier to see. A doctor can perform biopsies, stop bleeding, and remove abnormal growths with special tools that slide through the endoscope.