USE OF METHYLCELLULOSE IN SMALL-BOWEL FOLLOW-THROUGH EXAMINATION - COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL SERIES IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

Background: To evaluate and optimize a modified small bowel follow-thr ough examination (SBFT) by using an oral administration of a large amo unt (600 mt) of methylcellulose after taking a small amount of barium. Methods: Ninety-nine normal subjects underwent modified SBFT with an oral administration of 600 mi, of 0.5% methylcellulose after taking 10 0 mt of 120% or 100, 150, or 200 mi, of 70% w/v barium. The transradia ncy and distensibility of the bowel and the transit time were compared with those of 39 other normal subjects who underwent conventional SBF T with 500 mL of 70% w/v barium. Results: Except for two subjects who developed diarrhea immediately after examination, no patients complain ed of acute symptoms, such as abdominal pain or vomiting. Modified SBF T was much superior to conventional series for obtaining good bowel tr ansradiancy and rapid transit time (range = 37-49 min), but bowel dist ention was not significantly improved. The use of 150 mt of 70% w/v ba rium was better than the other three modified techniques for achieving good bowel transradiancy, rapid transit time, and less occurrence of flocculation. Conclusion: Modified SBFT is a simple method for easily improving the image quality in terms of towel transradiancy and transi t time.