What is a Small Bowel Follow Through?
The small bowel follow through (SBFT) is a type of medical imaging test used to evaluate the small intestine, which is a part of the gastrointestinal tract. The test is designed to visualize the small intestine and detect any abnormalities, such as ulcers, tumors, or strictures, that may be causing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or malabsorption.
What is the Small Bowel?
Before we dive into the details of the SBFT, it’s essential to understand what the small bowel is. The small bowel, also known as the small intestine, is a long, thin tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine. It is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat into the bloodstream. The small bowel is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
What is the Purpose of the Small Bowel Follow Through?
The primary purpose of the SBFT is to evaluate the small intestine and detect any abnormalities that may be causing symptoms. The test is often used to:
- Diagnose conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and intestinal tuberculosis
- Evaluate the small intestine after surgery, such as a bowel resection
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for small bowel diseases
- Identify potential causes of malabsorption, such as malabsorption of nutrients
How is the Small Bowel Follow Through Performed?
The SBFT is a non-invasive test that involves drinking a contrast agent, usually barium sulfate or a combination of barium and methylcellulose, which coats the lining of the small intestine and allows it to be visualized on X-ray images. The test is typically performed in the following steps:
- Preparation: Patients are required to fast for at least 12 hours before the test and are given a laxative to cleanse the colon.
- Contrast Agent: The patient drinks a contrast agent, which coats the lining of the small intestine.
- X-ray Images: X-ray images are taken at regular intervals, usually every 30-60 minutes, to visualize the small intestine.
- Monitoring: The patient is monitored for any adverse reactions to the contrast agent.
- Image Interpretation: A radiologist interprets the X-ray images to detect any abnormalities in the small intestine.
What to Expect During the Test
During the SBFT, patients can expect the following:
- To drink a liquid contrast agent that tastes like a thick milkshake
- To have multiple X-ray images taken over a period of 2-4 hours
- To experience some discomfort or bloating due to the contrast agent
- To have a bowel movement during or after the test
Risks and Complications
While the SBFT is generally a safe test, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:
- Adverse Reactions: Patients may experience allergic reactions to the contrast agent, such as hives or itching.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain during or after the test.
- Obstruction: In rare cases, the contrast agent can cause a blockage in the small intestine.
- Radiation Exposure: The test involves exposure to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer.
What to Do After the Test
After the SBFT, patients should:
- Follow a bland diet for 24-48 hours to reduce the risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours
- Follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the test
Conclusion
The small bowel follow through is a valuable diagnostic tool used to evaluate the small intestine and detect any abnormalities that may be causing symptoms. While the test is generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of. Patients should follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider and report any adverse reactions or symptoms during or after the test.
