Enteroclysis. Improved performance using a flow inducer.

In enteroclysis the flow rate of the barium is important but not easily controlled with an infusion bag system. To improve the technique, an electric flow inducer was used in 156 consecutive examinations to infuse the barium suspension at a constant rate of 75 ml/min. Detailed demonstration of mucosal folds was achieved in 90 per cent. The examinations were of moderate quality in 8 per cent and of poor quality in 2 per cent. The maximum transit time was 20 minutes and the total examination time never exceeded 35 minutes. Sensitivity and specificity were 94 and 97 per cent, respectively. Examinations indicated by specific small bowel symptoms had a positive yield of 49 versus 13 per cent with non-specific indications. Both examination performance and patient tolerance were improved.