Bowel obstruction other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Other diagnostic studies for bowel obstruction include contrast studies, which demonstrate dilated proximal bowel loops, point of transition, and complete obstruction. Contrast enema is useful in those who have had a previous surgical reconstruction of the bowel. Enteroclysis is a useful study in those with chronic or recurrent bowel obstruction.

Other Diagnostic Studies[edit | edit source]

Contrast studies may be helpful in the diagnosis of bowel obstruction. Findings suggestive of bowel obstruction include:^[1][2][3]

• Proximal dilated bowel loop
• Distal obstruction
  • Usually void of contrast media if a complete obstruction
• Point of transition
  • Can indicate the position of blockage and distinguish between proximal and distal segment of the bowel

Limitations of contrast studies[edit | edit source]

• Etiology cannot be determined
• Contraindicated in strangulated bowel loops
• May miss transition point as contrast may become diluted and therefore, visualization of bowel may be lost
• Cannot identify closed loop obstruction or ischemia

Further studies[edit | edit source]

• Other diagnostic studies for bowel obstruction include:
  • Contrast enema, which is useful in the presence of:
    • Proctocolectomy with an ileoanal J-pouch
    • Subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis
      • Water-based contrast is preferred over barium
  • Enteroclysis introduces both air and media (methylcellulose) into the bowel, and demonstrates:
    • Stenosis of the bowel
    • Prolonged bowel transit time

References[edit | edit source]

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