MR enterography (small bowel MRI)
MR enterography · small bowel MRI · bowel MRI with drink
An MRI of the belly, for which you first drink a special solution. It opens up the bowel so it can be seen well in the images.
Most often for inflammatory bowel disease, to look at the small bowel without radiation.
⏱ Duration: drinking the solution takes about an hour, the MRI itself 30 to 45 minutes, the report in a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Fasting. Usually no food for 4 to 6 hours. Ask the clinic.
- Time. Arrive early: you drink the solution for about an hour before the exam.
- Metal. Take off jewelry, watch and belt.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Earlier scans and colonoscopy
- Your ID
- A change of underwear - the solution is a laxative
How it goes
- You drink the solution in small portions over about an hour
- You change clothes and remove metal
- You lie on the table - often on your stomach
- A catheter is placed in your vein
- A medicine to stop the bowel moving and contrast are given
- Pictures are taken, often while you hold your breath
What you'll feel
- Drinking so much is unpleasant, and you may feel bloated
- The medicine can blur your vision for a while
- Warmth when the contrast goes in
Afterwards
- After the exam you may have loose stools - stay near a toilet
- Do not drive while your vision is blurry
- The report is usually ready in a few days
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Eye pain and a sudden drop in vision after the exam - call your local emergency number
- Rash, swelling of the face or trouble breathing - call your local emergency number
- Severe belly pain
Common questions
Why drink so much solution?
Without it the bowel is collapsed and is hard to see in the images.
Can I go to work right after?
Usually yes, but keep in mind you may have loose stools.