CT ENTEROCLYSIS
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
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Identifies
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About The Test
Overview
If chronic abdominal pain, mystery bleeding, or Crohn’s flare-ups are disrupting your life, CT Enteroclysis can give you answers—fast. At Cadabams Diagnostics we combine 128-slice CT technology with gentle contrast protocols to deliver razor-sharp images of your entire small bowel in under 30 minutes. No surgery. No overnight stay. Just reliable results that help your doctor plan the next step.
What is CT Enteroclysis?
Definition and purpose
CT Enteroclysis is a specialised computed-tomography scan that distends the small intestine with a safe contrast agent, then captures ultra-thin cross-sectional images. The goal: detect ulcers, strictures, tumours, or hidden bleeding missed by routine scans.
How it differs from standard CT
- Enteroclysis uses a soft nasal tube to deliver contrast directly into the jejunum, giving uniform bowel distension.
- Standard CT drinks reach only the stomach and proximal bowel, often leaving distal loops collapsed and unseen.
- Result: 30 % higher detection rate for early Crohn’s lesions and small tumours.
When and Who Needs to Take a CT Enteroclysis?
Common indications
- Persistent abdominal pain > 6 weeks
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia or occult GI bleeding
- Suspected partial small-bowel obstruction
- Follow-up after Crohn’s surgery or medication change
Age and health considerations
- Adults 18–80 y: routine eligibility
- Paediatrics: done only when requested by a paediatric gastroenterologist
- Elderly: kidney function must be eGFR > 45 ml/min
List of Parameters
- Small-bowel wall thickness (normal ≤ 3 mm)
- Mucosal pattern: nodularity, ulceration, cobble-stoning
- Luminal diameter (collapsed vs dilated > 2.5 cm)
- Mesenteric fat stranding & lymph-node size
- Enhancement pattern: homogeneous, layered, or absent
Why This Test
- Pinpoint source of obscure GI bleeding before capsule endoscopy
- Stage Crohn’s disease activity and complications (fistula, abscess)
- Rule out small-bowel tumours in patients with unexplained weight loss
- Evaluate post-operative adhesions without repeat surgery
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- 0.5 mm isotropic resolution—see lesions as small as 2 mm
- Non-invasive alternative to balloon enteroscopy or laparoscopy
- Same-day radiologist report + cloud access for your gastroenterologist
- Dedicated enterography radiologists with 15+ years’ experience
Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Enteroclysis
- Crohn’s disease & its complications
- Small-bowel adenocarcinoma, GIST, lymphoma
- Intestinal tuberculosis
- Intussusception and internal hernias
- Radiation enteritis
Preparing for test
Dietary restrictions
- Clear liquids only 24 h before appointment
- 2 sachets of bowel prep dissolved in 1 L water at 6 pm the evening prior
Hydration guidelines
Drink 500 ml water at bedtime and 250 ml on waking to keep veins plump for contrast injection.
Pre-requisites
- Recent kidney function test (within 4 weeks)
- Serum creatinine & eGFR
- Allergy screening form (iodine, shellfish, prior contrast reaction)
- Beta-blocker or metformin pause checklist provided at booking
Best Time to Take the CT Enteroclysis
Morning slots (7–9 am) minimise fasting fatigue and allow a normal lunch. Arrive 8 h fasted; water only till 2 h prior.
Eligibility
Pregnancy considerations
CT Enteroclysis is avoided in pregnancy. A negative beta-hCG test is required for women of child-bearing age.
Pacemaker safety
CT does not interfere with pacemakers or orthopaedic implants.
Procedure for Taking a CT Enteroclysis
- A thin nasojejunal tube is inserted after local anaesthetic spray—takes 5 min, discomfort score 2/10.
- Warm low-osmolar contrast is infused at 120 ml/min while you lie on a tilting table.
- When bowel loops are optimally distended (confirmed on scout view), the 128-slice CT captures images in a single 6-second breath-hold.
- Tube is removed; you rest 15 min, then resume normal activity.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Declare any prior contrast allergy; we stock emergency meds and anaphylaxis kits.
- Mild claustrophobia? Ask for headphone music or a mirror visor; open-bore gantry available.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal scan | Uniform small-bowel wall thickness 2–3 mm; smooth mucosa; no extra-luminal fluid or abnormalities detected | Indicates healthy small bowel without inflammation or masses |
| Mild inflammation | Slightly thickened bowel wall (around 3–4 mm); mucosal irregularities such as nodularity or mild ulceration; minimal mesenteric fat stranding | Suggests early or mild inflammatory bowel disease, requiring clinical follow-up |
| Thickened bowel wall > 4 mm | Markedly thickened wall, possible "target sign" or layered enhancement indicating edema or inflammation; presence of fistula tracts or creeping fat | Indicates active Crohn’s disease or significant pathology needing prompt gastroenterology referral |
| Abnormal mass or lesion | Focal nodular lesion or intraluminal polypoid mass with enhancement; irregular luminal narrowing or obstruction signs | Possible small-bowel tumors such as adenocarcinoma, GIST or lymphoma; further diagnostic workup needed including multidisciplinary team evaluation |
| Obstruction/Stricture* | Dilated proximal bowel loops > 2.5 cm with collapsed distal segments; possible transition point evident | Suggests partial or complete small-bowel obstruction; may require surgical or medical intervention |
Risks & Limitations
Effective dose is 4–6 mSv—equal to 8 months of natural background in India. Our iterative reconstruction software cuts dose by 40 % without losing image quality.
Contrast-related concerns
- Mild nausea 5 %
- Contrast allergy 0.5 % (premedication available)
- Contrast-induced nephropathy < 1 % if eGFR > 30
Types of CT Enteroclysis
Single-phase protocol
One scan 45 s after contrast infusion—ideal for general screening and follow-up.
Dual-phase protocol
Arterial phase at 25 s + enteric phase at 45 s—used when high suspicion of small-bowel tumours or active bleeding.
FAQs
Does the tube hurt?
Most patients feel only pressure; topical lidocaine spray keeps discomfort minimal.
How soon can I eat?
You may have a light snack 30 min after the scan if you feel well.
Will my insurance cover it?
CT Enteroclysis is covered under most policies when deemed medically necessary; our front-desk team assists with pre-authorisation.
Can I drive home?
Yes, no sedation is used, so you can drive or take public transport immediately.
Will insurance cover CT Enteroclysis?
Most policies cover medically necessary scans; our billing team pre-authorises for you.