MRI Small Bowel

Why it is needed?

MRI small bowel allows detailed examination of the integrity of the small bowel. This is usually carried out for patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease can affect the whole digestive tract from mouth to anus including the small bowel. Children with suspected Crohn’s disease will need to undergo gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The gastroscopy only reach the beginning of the small bowel, duodenum and colonoscopy only reaches the end of the small bowel called terminal ileum. This means we do not know the status of the rest of the small bowel which is between 2-6 metres long. One way to get the view of small bowel is using MRI small bowel. It can tell the health of the small bowel such as inflammation, narrowing, fistula and dilatation of the small bowel.

What preparation do I need?

You will need to be on low residue diet 24 hours prior to exam and clear fluids only on the day of procedure. During that hour you are required to drink mannitol mixed with squash and also to regularly sip of water. You will be asked to lie on the MRI scan machine. The radiographer will administer buscopan (to reduce involuntary movement of the bowel) via a cannula, followed by gadolinium contrast which helps to further highlight the structures of the small bowel.

How long does it take?

The procedure will take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Is there any risk?

The procedure is generally safe and well tolerated. There is a possibility of allergy reaction to the contrast. The team has the facilities to deal with allergy reaction. Patient may experience diarrhoea, flatulence, vomiting and abdominal spasms after taking mannitol.