Small Bowel Follow-Through in Tulsa, OK
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel follow-through?
A small bowel follow-through procedure uses fluoroscopic imaging, a type of x-ray, to view images of your small intestine. At Adult Gastroenterology Associates, we perform the small bowel follow-through to assess abnormalities in the small intestine, as well as to diagnose a number of conditions, including:
- Crohn's disease
- Abnormal masses or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Small bowel obstruction
- Cancer of the small intestine
- Surgical complications of the abdomen or bowel
If you or a loved one is in need of a small bowel follow-through, contact the skilled GI specialists at any of our Tulsa, OK locations to request a consultation today.
Who needs a small bowel follow-through?
A small bowel follow-through procedure may be recommended if you have:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms.
It’s one of the most effective ways to examine the whole of the small bowel and can be useful in the diagnosis of intestinal conditions including Crohn’s disease. To find out if this is the right diagnostic procedure for you, contact your nearest Tulsa, OK location today.
How do I prepare for my small bowel follow-through?
Prior to your small bowel follow-through, it's important that you let our team know of any medications you take, if you have any allergies (particularly to iodine contrast materials), if you have recently been sick, or if you have any medical conditions we should know about.
We will provide you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your small bowel follow-through. We may ask you to limit your food and drink intake the day prior to your procedure, and to fast several hours in advance of your procedure. Additionally, we may ask you to take a laxative, which can help us see your digestive tract better.
Before we begin, we'll have you change into a hospital gown and remove jewelry, dental appliances, glasses, or anything else that could interfere with the x-ray.
How is the small bowel follow-through performed?
You will be asked to drink a chalky mixture called barium prior to your procedure. This helps to outline your small intestine, making it more visible on the x-ray. You may also be asked to drink a methylcellulose solution that slightly distends the bowel, which again makes it easier to see via x-ray. As the barium makes its way through your system, which usually takes between 1 – 4 hours, a series of x-rays will be taken at different intervals.
After the test, you’ll be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help wash the barium out of your body. You may have some mild bloating or constipation and your stools may look more pale than normal for a few days.
You will be asked not to eat and drink for several hours before the procedure. Your doctor will advise you if you need to make any changes to your medication or diet beforehand, although this is not usually the case.
A state-of-the-art diagnostic tool
If you or a loved one has experienced unexplained weight loss, consistent abdominal pain, bloating, or other gastrointestinal symptoms, you may want to seek out the help of a skilled gastrointestinal specialist. At Adult Gastroenterology Associates, we provide individuals in the Tulsa, OK area with a wide range of diagnostic assessments to diagnose and treat their symptoms. One of the cutting-edge tools we use is the small bowel follow-through. This procedure gives us an excellent view of the GI tract and makes diagnosing Crohn's disease, IBD, polyps, and surgical complications easier. For more information on how the small bowel follow-through procedure can help you find relief from your irritating or painful GI symptoms, contact your nearest Tulsa, OK location to request a consultation.
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Julia at the front desk has been so helpful getting me scheduled and questions I’ve had about my appointment.
Every body was so awesome
Dr. Conkling has been my Gastroenterologist for many years now. He is the only Doctor I have that literally takes the time to visit with me about my medical history, my current physical health and future plans to help me through my good health journey. I truly know that he saved my life AND helped me have a better quality of life, by finding and treating my medical issues. I appreciate being heard and I appreciate how you discuss medical treatment and procedures with me, giving me the opportunity to choose from options that work best for me. You are straight forward and that is helpful. Dr. Conkling has no problem speaking directly with me over the phone, if there are questions or conversations best addressed by him. He puts me at ease and I trust that he has my best interest at heart. Thank you, Dr. Conkling, for treating me like a human being. Unfortunately it's hard to find this type of consistent caring medical environment these days. Dr. Conkling provides a safe place where you feel as if you are working as a team. I leave feeling confident that I'm in the right place. Keep doing what you do, Sir. You are one of the best for sure!!!! Many blessings. Sadiqa LaNear
Outstanding treatment for treatment & testing. I believe my third time for scope & everyone was Excellent from Reception-Nurses- Doctors. Best medical practice I have had to use. All on time but very friendly
It was a very pleasant and informative office visit. Dr. Conking explained everything in detail and in an understandable fashion. And left no questions unanswered.
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