Intestinal X-ray - X-ray Of The Digestive Tract

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 12:25

X-ray examination of the bowel

X-rays of the digestive tract have lost their importance since the introduction of endoscopy. Nevertheless, they offer a quick and uncomplicated diagnostic option for special questions. For X-ray imaging of the large intestine (irrigoscopy), a contrast agent is administered into the rectum by means of an enema. At the same time, air is introduced into the intestine so that the intestinal loops expand (double contrast method).

The small intestine can be visualized radiologically using an enteroclysm. A thin probe is inserted into the small intestine through the mouth or nose and an X-ray contrast agent is administered through it. In order to expand the intestine for better presentation, cellulose dissolved in water is also introduced. X-rays are then taken in several planes. The examination takes about 15 minutes, after which the contrast agent is excreted through the intestine.

navigation

• Continue reading
• more on the subject
• Advice, downloads & tools
• When is a colon x-ray necessary?
• How does a colon x-ray work?
• When is a small bowel x-ray necessary?
• How does a small bowel x-ray work?
• Where is an intestinal x-ray taken?
• How are the costs going to be covered?

When is a colon x-ray necessary?

Since the introduction of colonoscopy (colonoscopy), which has the advantage over pure imaging procedures that interventions (such as sampling, polyp removal) can be carried out in the same examination, X-ray imaging of the large intestine with contrast media has become less common. It is mainly used as a supplement to a colonoscopy if it cannot be carried out completely. This is the case if the intestinal loops cannot be passed with the endoscope due to adhesions in the abdomen or if a large tumor makes the intestine impassable, or as a leak check after surgery. With the help of irrigoscopy, polyps and tumors or diverticula (sack-shaped protrusions on the intestinal wall) or inflammations can be visualized.

Preparing for a colon x-ray

Similar to a colonoscopy, an irrigoscopy also requires colon cleansing for optimal assessment. You should therefore switch to an easily digestible, low-fiber diet two days before the examination. Clear soups, fish, boiled veal or chicken, noodles and mashed potatoes are particularly suitable. Unsuitable foods include red meat, vegetables, fruit, muesli, wheat bran, legumes, dairy products as well as bread and pastries (especially whole grain products). On the evening before the examination, you must forego the evening meal and drink a laxative solution with as much liquid as possible. On the day of the examination, tea, coffee and, if necessary, rusks are recommended for breakfast. Nothing should be eaten until the appointment, but drinking is allowed. An enema takes place immediately before the examination.

Note Necessary medication can still be taken.

How does a colon x-ray work?

After the optimal preparation (the intestine must be completely cleaned of stool residues), an intestinal tube is carefully pushed into the rectum while lying down, through which an enema with contrast agent takes place. At the same time, air is pumped into the intestine so that the intestinal loops unfold. By changing position several times, the contrast medium-air mixture is distributed throughout the colon. The intestinal tube is then removed and several x-rays are taken while lying down and standing.

What are the side effects / complications?

The preparation with laxatives and enema as well as the examination itself are perceived as somewhat uncomfortable. Colon cleansing is associated with frequent diarrhea-like bowel movements and mild cramp-like abdominal pain. The introduction of the contrast medium and the air is usually not painful, but the patient feels like flatulence. The contrast agent is eliminated within one to two days. The stool can be light to whitish in color.

In inflammatory bowel diseases, a “leak” in the intestinal wall (perforation) can cause contrast agent to escape into the abdomen. Sometimes this can lead to peritonitis. Therefore, if a perforation is suspected, a water-soluble iodine-containing contrast medium is used instead of a barium-containing contrast medium.

When is a small bowel x-ray necessary?

The small intestine is hardly accessible through endoscopy due to its length, its tortuous course and its position between the stomach or duodenum and large intestine. The X-ray contrast agent examination (enteroclysis according to Sellink) can diagnose diseases in this section of the intestine such as chronic inflammation (Crohn's disease), tumors or bleeding.

Preparations for a small bowel x-ray

Similar to a colonoscopy, colon cleansing is necessary for an optimal assessment of the small intestine. You should therefore switch to an easily digestible, low-fiber diet two days before the examination.

Clear soups, fish, boiled veal or chicken, noodles and mashed potatoes are particularly suitable. Unsuitable foods include red meat, vegetables, fruit, muesli, wheat bran, legumes, dairy products and bread and pastries (especially whole grain products). On the evening before the examination, you have to forego dinner and drink a laxative solution with as much liquid as possible.

Note Necessary medication can still be taken!

How does a small bowel x-ray work?

With Sellink's enteroclysis, the contrast agent is not drunk, but administered via a probe that is either pushed through the nose or the mouth to the end of the duodenum. A cellulose-water mixture is then administered so that the contrast medium is distributed throughout the small intestine. This double contrast enables the intestinal wall to be optimally assessed. With X-raying of the small intestine, there is no inflation of the small intestine with air.

The distribution of the contrast agent after Sellink's enema is increasingly assessed using MRI or CT. The contrast agent is administered through a tube that is pushed through the nose into the small intestine before the actual examination. The examiner follows the contrast medium as it passes through the entire small intestine. The advantage is that with both methods, not only the mucous membrane, but also the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and the organs of the abdominal cavity can be assessed.

What are the side effects / complications?

In rare cases, side effects and complications can be traced back to the use of contrast media; You can find more information on this under Use of contrast media.

Where is an intestinal x-ray taken?

An X-ray examination of the bowel can be carried out by resident specialists for radiology or in hospitals with a radiological department. A medical referral is required. The radiologist will carry out the X-ray examination including the diagnosis.

• Radiology specialists in your area can be found under Services: Doctor search
• You can find hospitals (with a radiological department) in your area under Clinic search

How are the costs going to be covered?

You will need a doctor's referral for an intestinal x-ray. This is valid for one month from the date of issue. The costs are covered by your health insurance provider.