[Traditional and selective radiological study of the small intestine. Current state and prospects]

The author, having noted that in radiology the small bowel is frequently ignored in comparison with the other digestive areas, proposes a "contract" examination of the digestive tract. Such a method, involving the acceleration of the transit induced by two metoclopramide tablets administered a few minutes before the examination, allows the small intestine to be included in the traditional investigations of the digestive system and, therefore, its complete visualization. Thus, it is possible to perform a larger and more detailed study of the under-evaluated jejunal and ileal pathology. Radiodiagnostic problems which cannot be adequately interpreted by the "contract" examination should be clarified by enteroclysis, the latter being considered a selective method.