An enteroclysis is a visual examination of the small bowel. Regular x-rays and a special animated x-ray, known as a fluoroscopy, are used to see internal organs and detect any abnormalities. The procedure consists of putting a contrast (liquid) into the small bowel by way of a tube inserted through your nose and stomach, reaching down into the small bowel. A CT enteroclysis combines the enteroclysis procedure with an abdominal computed tomography (CT).

What Does Enteroclysis Do? 

The CT enteroclysis aims to detect any abnormalities or conditions of the small bowel or intestine. More specifically, it is used for assessing and diagnosing conditions of the small intestine. Conditions include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease
• Small-bowel obstruction
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Malabsorption
• Tumors
• Polyps
• Changes that have happened due to surgery such as scar tissue

When Would a Physician Order an Enteroclysis Test?

Doctors may order an enteroclysis test when a physical exam or blood results are inconclusive. An enteroclysis test is utilized to investigate and determine the existence of Crohn disease, small-bowel obstruction, or unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.

How to Prepare for an Enteroclysis Test?

There are several steps a person can take in order to prepare for their enteroclysis test. Proactive measures include:

Precautions. If you suspect you may be pregnant, it is important to contact your doctor before proceeding with the test. Additionally, if you are diabetic or insulin dependent, consult with your doctor regarding the insulin the day before and day of the test.

Clothing. You will be required to wear a hospital gown and remove all accessories and jewelry (all piercings). Typically, a locker will be provided for your personal belongings.

Eating and drinking. To prepare your small bowel - for the test, adhere to the following pre-test instructions:

The day before the exam

• Eat and drink as normal through lunch
• After lunch, drink liquids only (water, apple or grape juice, coffee, tea, non-fat or skim milk, bouillon, or Jell-O)
• At 1pm, drink 10oz bottle of magnesium citrate with ice (available at any pharmacy without a prescription)
• For dinner, have liquids only (water, apple or grape juice, coffee, tea, non-fat or skim milk, bouillon, or Jell-O)
• After midnight (12am) DO NOT eat or drink anything

The day of the exam

• DO NOT eat or drink anything
• Take ONLY essential medications with a SIP of water

What to Expect During an Enteroclysis Test?

Depending on your medical condition, an enteroclysis exam can be performed as an outpatient procedure or during a hospital stay. Typically, the procedures for the examination include:

• You will be required to remove your clothing and wear a hospital gown that will be provided
• You will be required to remove all jewelry (including all piercings) and accessories, including eyeglasses and any other metal object you have 
• Please remove any dental work that can be removed, such as bridges or retainers
• A technologist may help to position you horizontally on the examination table
• A lubricated tube will be placed in your mouth or nose and pushed down into the small bowel
• The contrast (barium) will flow through the tube into the small intestine
• During the exam, the machine and table will move, and you may be asked to change positions at various times
• The radiologist will take pictures using an x-ray machine and fluoroscopy as the contrast moves through the small intestine
• The tube will be slowly removed once all required x-rays have been taken
• A technologist will assist you getting up from the table

What Conditions are Diagnosed with Enteroclysis?

There are several conditions that an enteroclysis procedure seeks to diagnose. Common diagnoses include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease
• Small-bowel obstruction
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Malabsorption
• Tumors
• Polyps
• Changes that have happened due to surgery such as scar tissue

Results and Follow-Up

After your examination, you may resume eating and drinking as normal, unless otherwise specified by your doctor. You may also resume all activities as normal. 

Following the procedure, the barium contrast may cause constipation, so it is beneficial to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that are higher in fiber to help rid your body of the barium. Your doctor may also prescribe you a laxative to help move things through. Additionally, your stools may be lighter in color until all the barium has passed.

There is a chance that the body will have a difficult time passing the barium. If you have been constipated for more than two days, or if you are unable to pass gas, rectally, call your doctor immediately. You may be given an enema or strong laxative to help pass the rest of the barium.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have difficulties or an inability to have a bowel movement, pain or distension of the abdomen, or a fever.

Questions you may consider asking your doctor about follow-up include:

• How soon can I expect my results?
• Is there anything I can do to improve my gut health?
• Are there any possible complications from an enteroclysis procedure?