Enterocylsis: the small bowel enema. How to succeed and how to fail

Enteroclysis, the infusion of contrast medium directly into the small bowel, is a precise, rapid method for thorough small bowel examination. This technique demonstrates far more pathology than any other method when it is properly executed. However, the examination is sure to fail with poor techniques, thereby discrediting a superb method. Experience has shown that failures are usually due to inadequate technique or poor judgment or both during the examination. This article covers the proper and improper techniques of the examination and gives examples of each. The most common problems that arise during the examination are discussed in the order in which they usually develop.