Enteroclysis

This test is done in a radiology department. Depending on the need, x-ray , CT scan , or MRI imaging is used. The test involves the following: Your 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 flow through the…

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…

The placement of the tube may be uncomfortable. The contrast material may cause a feeling of abdominal fullness.

This test is performed to examine the small bowel. It is one way of telling if the small intestine is normal.

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.

Many problems of the small intestine can be found with enteroclysis. Some of these include: Inflammation of the small bowel (such as Crohn disease ) Small bowel isn't absorbing nutrients normally ( malabsorption ) Narrowing or stricture of the intestine Small bowel blockage Tumors of the small intestine

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 of enteroclysis include: Allergic…

Al Sarraf AA, McLaughlin PD, Maher MM. The small intestine, mesentery and peritoneal cavity. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 21. Thomas AC. Imaging the small bowel. In: Sahani DV, Samir AE, eds.…