Radiology of the Small Bowel

This atlas is a selection of roentgenograms of patients who visited the radiology departments at the University Hospital in Leiden between 1970 and 1978, the Free University Hospital in Amsterdam in 1979, and the radiology department at the Indiana University Medical School in Indianapolis in 1977. The most common radiological abnormalities of the small intestine are illustrated clearly, unhindered by flocculation or segmentation of the contrast fluid. The authors believe this book is a definite contribution to the goal of precise early small bowel diagnosis. However, the key to good diagnosis is not only a superb examination technique, but also the knowledge, the character, and the personal perfectionism of the physician. If these factors are optimal, then the best possible roentgenographic series will be obtained - at least as far as the technique is concerned. All patients illustrated here were examined by using the enteroclysis technique. With this method of small bowel examination, the contrast fluid is administered via an infusion directly into the duodenum instead of orally. The infusion method has added a new dimension to the usual radiological examination of the small intestine. This method is also especially suited for the comparative evaluation of motility, and the study of disturbed motility. Throughout the course of the examination, the technique can be adapted to special situations at any given moment and can be modified to produce precise diagnostic roentgenograms and diagnosis.