Similar to MR Enterography, yet slightly different, MR Enteroclysis is an advanced imaging technique which is used to detect the presence of pathologies in the small intestine. The prime difference between an MR enterography and MR enteroclysis lies in the technique of administration of fluid used to distend the bowel for a longer duration.
In MR Enteroclysis, a special tube known as naso-gastric or naso-duodenal tube is used as a means to insert fluid inside the bowels. This fluid distends the bowel and makes it easy for the MRI machine to take pictures of it.
Water is the first choice when it comes to distending the bowel, but since it is easily absorbed by the body and it will be difficult to hold it in for about half an hour to 45 minutes, other choices are available. Methylcellulose, barium, milk or juice are preferably given these days. After this is done, a special dye known as a contrast agent is injected inside the body. This is especially useful in brightening up the images on the MRI scan, making it easy for the radiologist to study them properly.
The magnetic waves possess a unique property of interacting with the water molecules inside the body to create a signal. Special sensors and these waves, together create pictures which can be seen on a computer by the radiologist.
Centers for MR Enteroclysis:
Following are the leading diagnostic centers which offer MR enteroclysis –
| Diagnostic Center | Area | City |
|---|---|---|
| Exo Path Labs | Thane-Kharegaon | Mumbai |
Cost of MR Enteroclysis:
The cost of MR enteroclysis is dependent on several factors. On an average, this procedure costs between INR 7000 to INR 8000.
| Diagnostic Center | Test Name | MRP | Offer Price | Get Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exo Path Labs, Thane-Kharegaon, Mumbai. | Enteroclysis | Rs. | Rs. 7200 | Book Online |
* Above mentioned offers can only be booked online.
Why is MR Enteroclysis Required?
Diagnosing disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, can be a pretty tricky affair. But your physician would like to order this test in the following conditions:
- To detect tumors and other cancers of the bowel
- Check for presence of abscesses
- Infections affecting the small intestine
- Bowel obstruction
- To track fistulas, an abnormal connection formed between the intestine and other organs
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Crohn’s disease, a chronic irritation of the bowel
- Trauma or injury to the small intestine, resulting in perforation
- Ulcers in the intestines
How to Prepare for MR Enteroclysis?
- Probably the most important step is to inform your doctor about your medical history such as any previous or present medical conditions e.g. diabetes, respiratory diseases, TB, cardiac problems, etc.
- Take care to mention about the details of present medications like painkillers, blood thinners, anti coagulants. These may be of value to your physician.
- Since this imaging procedure involves the use of magnetic waves, you should tell about the presence of metallic parts inside your body. This can be a cardiac pacemaker, hearing aids, dental implants, replaced joints or a stent. If these metallic components interact with the magnetic waves, there are high chances that their function may get disrupted. Your radiologist can suggest for an alternative test if this is the case.
- Allergies are an important consideration when it comes to usage of contrast media. If you have previously undergone any imaging test which uses contrast media, and it affected you in a not-so-nice way, your radiologist can help you with a better solution.
- Claustrophobia, or fear of enclosed spaces can be quite troublesome for people who need to undergo an MRI. If you have a similar problem, an open MRI can prove helpful in such cases. Ask your doctor if such an option is available.
- If you are a lady patient, inform your doctor about your pregnancy, if you are presently pregnant.
- You need to be fasting for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure. Sometimes a mild laxative is given which will help clear out your bowels.
How is an MR Enteroclysis Done?
- Try to report to the diagnostic facility at least an hour before the procedure begins. You will be given a comfortable gown to wear. Keep all metallic things and valuables in a safe place.
- A litre of fluid will be given to you for consumption before the procedure.
- After this, you will be taken to an X-ray room where your nose and upper airway will be slightly coated with a layer of anesthetic gel or spray. Once this is done, a naso-gastric or naso-duodenal tube will be inserted through your nose and gently pushed towards the opening of the small intestine. You may feel some amount of discomfort.
- Now, using a fluid pump, fluid is inserted via the tube into your bowel. A slightly ‘cramping sensation’ is considered normal. An X-ray will be taken to confirm the proper placement of the tube.
- The next step begins in the MRI room where the radiologist will again ask you a few questions. In some cases, you may receive an injection of drugs which can relax your bowel movements for some time. This helps in getting clearer images.
- Your radiologist will make you lie down on a movable table which leads to the scanning region of the machine. Special plastic covered sensors are fixed near your abdominal area which help in creating better pictures on the computer.
- Ear-muffs are placed on your ears to prevent any disturbance created by the loud noises generated while imaging.
- Sometimes you may be asked to hold your breath in-between the procedure. All in all, 20- 30 minutes are required for the imaging process.
- While you are inside the machine, photographs are taken at different angles to detect even deep seating problems inside the intestines. These images are generated with the interaction of magnetic field and radio waves on the area to be pictured. Once your images are verified by the radiologist, you are good to go.
- You will be later on instructed regarding the removal of contrast agents from your body. Most of it passes out via urination. Because of excess of fluid inside your body, feeling cold is a natural phenomenon. But if you find something which is bothering you a lot before, during or after the procedure, feel free to communicate this to the healthcare professional present there.
An MR Enteroclysis provides multiple views of the small intestine, which gives it an advantage over other imaging methods. Since this type of imaging uses non-ionizing radiations, it gives an added margin of safety over other imaging methods, especially in cases of young children and pregnant women.