Small Bowel
DEFINITION: X-rays of the small bowel after swallowing a barium mixture.
PURPOSE: To visualize the function and the physical condition of the small bowel.
PREPARATION: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight until the examination is completed.
DURING THE EXAM: You will be asked to drink radiopaque barium. X-rays will be taken at different time intervals. The entire procedure will normally take one to two hours.
AFTER THE EXAM: If you tend to be constipated you may need to take up to two tablespoons of milk of magnesia three times a day for two days to facilitate the removal of the barium. It is recommended following any barium procedure that you consume plenty of fluids. |
