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Small Bowel Enteroclysis

The small bowel enteroclysis exam is performed to study the entire length of the small bowel in a very controlled manner, using barium and a methylcellulose solution.

Preparation:  You will be asked not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your examination.

Procedure:  You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.  The technologist will take a film of your abdomen.  The technologist or the radiologist will then insert a small tube into your nose and through your stomach into your small intestine.  Barium and methylcellulose will then be administered through the tube.  You will experience a full feeling in your abdomen.  Films will be taken by the radiologist as he watches the barium pass through your small intestine.  You may be asked to move from side to side.  After the  barium passes through the entire small bowel a few additional films may be taken.  The tube will then be removed.  You may return to your normal diet.  You should drink extra fluids for the next couple of days to help eliminate the remaining barium.  The radiologist will send a report of his findings to your physician.