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Enteroclysis
Small bowel enema; CT enteroclysis; Small bowel follow-through; Barium enteroclysis; MR enteroclysis
Enteroclysis is an imaging test of the small intestine. The test looks at how a liquid called contrast material moves through the small intestine.
How the Test is Performed
This test is done in a hospital radiology department. Depending on the need, x-ray, CT scan , or MRI imaging is used.
CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
The test involves the following:
- The health care provider inserts a tube through your nose or mouth into your stomach and into the beginning of the small bowel.
- Contrast material and air flows through the tube, and images are taken.
The images are viewed in real time on a monitor. This means the provider can watch as the contrast is actually moving through the bowel.
The goal of the study is to view all of the loops of small bowel. You may be asked to change positions during the exam. The test may last a few hours, because it takes a while for the contrast to move through all of the small bowel.
How to Prepare for the Test
Follow your provider's instructions on how to prepare for the test, which may include:
- Drinking clear liquids for at least 24 hours before the test.
- Not eating or drinking anything for several hours before the test. Your provider will tell you exactly how many hours.
- Taking laxatives to clear the bowels.
- Not taking certain medicines. Your provider will tell you which ones. Do NOT stop taking any medicines on your own. Ask your provider first.
If you are anxious about the procedure, you may be given a sedative before it starts. You will be asked to remove all jewelry and wear a hospital gown. It is best to leave jewelry and other valuables at home. You will be asked to remove any removable dental work, such as appliances, bridges, or retainers.
If you are, or think you're pregnant, tell the provider before the test.
How the Test will Feel
The placement of the tube may be uncomfortable. The contrast material may cause a feeling of abdominal fullness.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is performed to examine the small bowel. It is the most complete way of telling if the small intestine is normal.
Normal Results
There are no problems seen with the size or shape of the small intestine. Contrast travels through the bowel at a normal rate without any sign of blockage.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Many problems of the small intestine can be found with enteroclysis. Some of these include:
-
Inflammation of the small bowel (such as
Crohn disease
)
Crohn disease
Crohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...
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Small bowel isn't absorbing nutrients normally (
malabsorption
)
Malabsorption
Malabsorption involves problems with the body's ability to take in nutrients from food.
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Narrowing or stricture of the intestine
Narrowing or stricture of the intestine
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.
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Small bowel blockage
Small bowel blockage
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Tumors of the small intestine
Risks
The radiation exposure may be greater with this test than with other types of x-rays because of the length of time. But most experts feel that the risk is low compared to the benefits.
Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-ray radiation. Rare complications include:
- Allergic reactions to medicines prescribed for the test (your provider can tell you which medicines)
- Possible injury to bowel structures during the study
Barium may cause constipation. Tell your provider if the barium has not passed through your system by 2 or 3 days after the test, or if you feel constipated.
References
American College of Radiology. ACR-SAR practice parameter for the performance of an enteroclysis examination in adults. Updated 2014. www.acr.org/~/media/ACR/Documents/PGTS/guidelines/Enteroclysis.pdf . Accessed June 24, 2016.
Gourtsoyiannis N, Prassopoulos P, Daskalogiannaki M, McLaughlin P, Maher MM. The duodenum and small intestine. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2015:chap 28.
Maglinte DD. Fluoroscopic and CT enteroclysis: evidence-based clinical update. Radiol Clin North Am . 2013;51(1):149-176. PMID: 23182514 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23182514 .
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Small intestine contrast injection - illustration
Enteroclysis is a test performed to examine the small bowel. A tube is placed down the nose and throat, through the stomach into the small intestine. When in place, contrast dye is introduced and x-ray images are viewed on a fluoroscopic monitor to visualize how the contrast moves through the bowel structures. The enteroclysis test is the most complete means of demonstrating whether or not the small intestine is normal when abnormality is suspected.
Small intestine contrast injection
illustration
-
Small intestine contrast injection - illustration
Enteroclysis is a test performed to examine the small bowel. A tube is placed down the nose and throat, through the stomach into the small intestine. When in place, contrast dye is introduced and x-ray images are viewed on a fluoroscopic monitor to visualize how the contrast moves through the bowel structures. The enteroclysis test is the most complete means of demonstrating whether or not the small intestine is normal when abnormality is suspected.
Small intestine contrast injection
illustration
Review Date: 5/24/2016
Reviewed By: Mary C. Mancini, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
