Enteroclysis or Small Bowel Study
Enteroclysis is an x-ray of the small bowel. The barium contrast used for this test is dense and can be seen clearly on X-ray.
Your doctor will schedule your exam. Two days before the test, we will call you to tell you when to arrive for your test. Call with questions.
Radiology Scheduling: (608) 263-XRAY (9729), press 6, then press 1
OR
Radiology: (608) 263-8351
Tell your Local and Radiology Doctors If You Have
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If you have any of these, you may need different bowel prep.
Ask your doctor if you should take your normal medicines before this exam.
A few days before your test, go to your local drugstore and buy:
- 1 bottle of magnesium citrate (10 ounces.). Drink chilled.
- Bisacodyl laxative tablets 20 milligrams (mg.).
The Day before the Test
After a light breakfast, you will only drink clear liquids the rest of the day until midnight.
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Clear broth or consommé |
Clear Jell-O®, with nothing in it |
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Juice without pulp: apple, grape, cranberry |
Popsicles |
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Boost Breeze® |
Clear hard candy |
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Coffee or tea, no creamer |
Gatorade® |
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Water |
Sparkling water or soda |
NO juices with pulp (orange, tomato, prune juice), lemonade, or dairy products of any kind.
The Day before the Test
If you do not have any of the conditions listed on page one, please follow the schedule below. Be sure to drink 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water between noon and 11:00 pm unless you have a daily fluid limit.
You may want to take these bowel preps earlier in the day than the schedule below. Do not take either of these at work and expect to travel home, without needing a bathroom.
5:30 pm: Drink magnesium citrate 10 ounces.
8:00 pm: Take bisacodyl tablets 20 milligrams (mg.). Do not chew or crush.
These will cause you to have loose bowel movements.
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight, unless your doctor has told you to take pills with a sip of water.
On the day of the exam, check in at the Radiology Desk, in G3/3. They will give you a robe and gown to put on.
The Test
You will be asked to sit or lie on the x-ray table. We will start an IV. A numbing gel will be put into a nostril until you can feel the gel in the back of your throat. A spray may also be used to numb the back of your throat. A long thin tube will be placed through the numbed nostril into your stomach. You will be asked to swallow to help move the tube. You may gag or feel the need to cough. This is a normal and will get better once the tube is in. The tube will be gently pushed into the small bowel. The doctor will monitor the test on the TV-like screen. The lights will be dim so the doctor can clearly see the screen. The whirring noise you hear is made by the x-ray machine. You may be asked to move from side to side. The doctor may push on your stomach or ask you to cough.
Once the tube is in place, barium will be put into your bowel. Barium can be seen on x-rays. Another fluid is added to create a “see-through” look to the small bowel which will help to see the loops that overlap. You may feel bloated. Once the fluids enter the colon, you may have an urge to have a bowel movement. This is normal and means the exam will soon be complete. Please let the doctor know if you are uncomfortable.
X-rays will be taken during the test. When the right amount of fluid is seen in the small bowel, the tube will be taken out. When the x-rays have been reviewed, you may use the toilet. You may feel bloated and have diarrhea after the exam. This is normal. The exam will take 1½ hours.
After the Test
The radiologist will talk with your local doctor about the results. Your local doctor will talk over the test results with you and make plans for further treatment, if needed.
Your stools will be white for a day or two. This is normal. This is the barium passing out of your bowel. You may need to take 2 tablespoons of milk of magnesia to help you expel the barium. Ask the doctor.
Resume your normal diet unless told otherwise by your doctor.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/24/2010
Copyright © 02/24/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5159
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