Laser cauterization of the bowel

How far can a laser go into the bowel, assuming that they are doing a double balloon enteroscopy, in order to cauterize AVM's?  A friend recently had an endoscopy, and her doctor was only able to go about 10', at which point he was able to do 10 in the bowel & one in her stomache.  but he intimated that there may be many more further up, and that perhaps they could be done using the method that I describe above.  Please advise.  And, if it's possible, do you know if the procedure is being done anywhere in South florida.
Thanks you for your assistance with this matter.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say.  It would depend on the size of the patient as well as the length of the scope.  

Reaching the proximal large bowel or the small bowel will be difficult in any case, as the current endoscopes that we have rarely reach that far.

This question can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.  You may want to inquire about a referral to an academic medical center where they see more atypical cases.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[DianneKV]

A related discussion, patients recovery time after double balloon enteroscopy treating AVMs in the small bowel was started.