Small Bowel Follow-Through: An X-ray procedure to examine the small intestine.

What is Small Bowel Follow?

Small bowel follow-through (SBFT) is an X-ray procedure that examines the small intestine. It involves taking a series of X-rays after you drink a barium contrast solution. Barium is a chalky substance that shows up clearly on X-rays, allowing your doctor to visualize the small intestine.

Why Small Bowel Follow is required?

SBFT is often used to:

• Diagnose small bowel disorders: It can help identify conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and intestinal obstructions.
• Evaluate symptoms: It can be used to investigate symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Monitor treatment: SBFT can help monitor the progress of treatment for small bowel disorders.

which are the method of Small Bowel Follow?

·  Oral barium administration: You will be asked to drink a barium contrast solution.

·  X-ray imaging: A series of X-rays will be taken as the barium moves through your small intestine.

·  Fluoroscopy: This technique uses real-time X-rays to visualize the barium’s movement.

 who should go for Small Bowel Follow ?

Individuals who may benefit from a SBFT include:

• People with symptoms of small bowel disorders, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Individuals undergoing evaluation for intestinal obstruction.

 What are the results of Small Bowel Follow ? 

A SBFT can help identify abnormalities in the small intestine, such as:

• Inflammation: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining.
• Strictures: Narrowing of the small intestine can lead to intestinal obstruction.
• Diverticula: Small pouches that can form in the intestinal wall.
• Tumors: SBFT can help detect tumors or other growths in the small intestine.

What are the components of Small Bowel Follow ?

A SBFT typically involves:

• Preparation: You may be asked to fast before the procedure.
• Barium administration: You will drink the barium contrast solution.
• X-ray imaging: The X-ray technician will take a series of images as the barium moves through your small intestine.
• Fluoroscopy: If necessary, fluoroscopy will be used to visualize the barium’s movement in real-time.
• Follow-up: You may need to drink additional fluids after the procedure to help the barium pass through your system.