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Small Bowel Studies Instructions in English
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Where:
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Report to Radiology Department on the first floor of . You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time in order to be registered. |
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Purpose:
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To perform a study of the small bowel. You will be asked to drink a quantity of barium sufficient to image your entire small bowel. |
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Preparation:
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If you are a woman of childbearing age and there is a chance you may be pregnant, please consult your physician before scheduling this exam.
NO FOOD OR LIQUIDS are to be taken past the night before the examination.
Your normal medications may be taken prior to your test. Pills should be taken with only a small amount of water, early in the morning.
If you take insulin, you must consult your doctor for direction prior to the test. If he/she directs you not to take your insulin, you should bring it with you so you can take it after the exam. Also, when making an appointment, tell the scheduler if you are diabetic and request an appointment time early in the day.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Please do not bring children with you to the appointment. |
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What to Expect:
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The examination will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing. The test may include the study of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. You will be asked to drink at least two cups of barium suspension. X-rays will be obtained by the radiologist.
X-rays of the abdomen will be taken at 15-30 minute intervals to study the progress of barium through the small bowel. It may take as little as one hour or as long as four hours. It is not possible to predict exactly how long the examination will take in an individual patient.
You may observe other patients who have arrived in the X-ray Department after you, completing their examinations and leaving the department while yours is still in progress. While this may be disconcerting, please understand that there is no way of shortening the time of your own examination without compromising its quality or accuracy.
The radiologist's report of the results will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you. |
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After Care:
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You may resume normal activity. You may take medication, and you may eat and drink normally. We do ask that you drink plenty of fluids (water, juices) for the next 2 days. For most patients with normal bowel habits, the passage of barium in the form of "white stools" will present no problem. Patients with a history of constipation may use a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia. |
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Questions: |
Please call 205-930-3278 if you have additional questions. |
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