Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may:

• Do a physical exam
• Ask about your medical history, symptoms, and any medications that you take
• Ask you to stop taking certain medications before the test

To prepare for the procedure, your doctor may ask you to:

• Follow a clear-liquid diet (such as, water, tea, clear broth) the day before the enteroclysis.
• Take a laxative the night before.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight.
• Give yourself an enema to clear stool from the intestines.
  • Note: Be sure to tell your doctor if you are constipated. It’s important that your intestines are clear of stool.

On the day of the procedure:

• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Arrange for a ride home.

Anesthesia

Your doctor may give you a sedative to reduce your discomfort.

Description of the Procedure

You will be asked to lie down on an x-ray table. A numbing medication will be sprayed on the back of your throat. A thin, flexible tube will then be placed into your mouth. The tube will be gently passed down your throat. The tip of the tube will pass through your stomach to your small intestines.

A special dye will be sent through the tube. You may be asked to move your body. This will help coat the walls of your intestine with the dye. The images of your intestine will then be taken.

A tube may also be placed in your rectum. The tube will allow some of the contrast dye to come out of your body. This step can reduce bloating in your abdomen.

After your doctor has taken all of the images, the tubes will be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

You will have discomfort when the tube is inserted. You may also have some bloating and discomfort due to the contrast dye.

Post-procedure Care