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The barium infusion in small intestinal obstruction
Clinical Radiology
|November 1, 1981
Summary
Barium infusion into the small intestine accurately diagnosed suspected bowel obstruction in 25 of 26 patients. This diagnostic method helped avoid unnecessary surgery in nine patients, including those with Crohn
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management and to avoid unnecessary interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of small bowel barium infusion for suspected small bowel obstruction.
- To assess the impact of this diagnostic method on surgical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A two-year prospective study involving 26 patients with suspected small bowel obstruction.
- Barium was infused into the small intestine to visualize the obstruction and its level.
Main Results:
- Mechanical obstruction was confirmed in 25 out of 26 patients.
- The level of obstruction was identified in all but one patient.
- Nine patients avoided surgery: six with Crohn's disease, two with adhesions, and one with no abnormality found.
Conclusions:
- Small bowel barium infusion is a highly accurate diagnostic tool for suspected small bowel obstruction.
- This imaging technique can effectively guide surgical decisions, reducing unnecessary operations, particularly in cases of Crohn's disease or adhesions.