Double contrast examination of the small intestine

In the new procedure the contrast material is administered through a duodenum sonde and consists of barium sulphate, sorbitol (to increase the passage), polysiloxan (to inhibit the formation of gas bubbles), and 0.5% methylcellulose (to inhibit sedimentation). Alternatively 20 ml contrast material and 20 ml air are administered. When the contrast material gets to the ileocoecal valve, the intestines are relaxed by Gapona injected iv. Aimed radiograms are taken both during the filling and in the relaxed state. The whole examination takes 30-40 min. (L.E.)