Enteroclysis

Enteroclysis is a fluoroscopic X-ray of the small intestine. Radiocontrast is infused through a tube inserted through the nose to the duodenum, and images are taken in real time as the contrast moves through aided by administration of methyl cellulose. Enteroclysis is also known by the confusing misnomer "Small bowel enema". 'Enema' is confusing as it suggests that the contrast material is introduced through the anal route.

It is the gold standard for evaluating small bowel diseases like Crohn's, though it has largely been replaced by CT enterography. CT enteroclysis is now available which combines the advantages of CT (ample extraluminal information and visualization) and conventional enteroclysis (distension of small bowel for visualization). A report suggested CT enteroclysis to be superior to conventional enteroclysis in evaluation of symptomatic Crohn's disease, especially for the detection of fistula, abscess, skip lesions, lymphadenopathy, and conglomeration of small bowel loops.

MR and CT versions exist.