Imaging of the small intestine

Endoscopy is not yet a practical procedure for examining the small intestine. A variety of radiological techniques are available for investigating suspected small intestinal disorders. Plain radiographs are the initial procedure in patients who present acutely, and barium studies are mostly used in the patients who present less acutely. Enteroclysis (small bowel enema) is proving to be an accurate barium technique. Computed tomography (CT) is useful in certain cases, particularly in established intestinal obstruction, while angiography and radionuclide studies can be extremely useful in suspected intestinal bleeding. Ultrasound has a limited role in the investigation of intestinal disorders.