Monocontrast-distension examination of the small bowel - A comparison to the small bowel follow-through and the enteroclysis

Purpose: Development of a new monocontrast examination of the small bower. Material and Methods: The new examination was applied to 20 patients with s uspected bowel obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease. A contrast mixtur e, containing gelatine, a water-soluble contrast medium (Peritrast(R)) and water (GPW-mixture) was given over an intestinal tube. The viscosity of the new contrast mixture was measured by rotation and flow viscosimetry. The d iagnostic value and the degree of small bowel distension were determined in dependently by 3 examiners. By comparison 20 randomized selected small bowe r follow-through examinations (SBFT) and 20 small bowel enemas were examine d. Special questionnaires were used to determine subjective compatibility a nd discomfort. Results: Due to the viscosity of the new contrast medium and the administration over an intestinal tube, a good bowel distension was ac hieved with the GPW mixture. The bowel distension (p: <0.01) and the diagno stic Value (p: <0.01) of the new examination in comparison to the SBFT was characterized as being significantly better. In comparison to the small bow el enema, distension was not significantly better (p: 0.31-1.0). The diagno stic value of the small bowel enema was characterized as significantly bett er by one of the three examiners in comparison to the new monocontrast-dist enson examination (p-level < 0.01). Conclusion: The monocontrast-distension examination is a potential alternative in patients in whom a small bowel e nema with barium sulfate is contraindicated.