The influence of type of tube and experience of the operator on performance of small bowel enema

Abstract

Seventy patients underwent small bowel enema (SBE) to assess the influence of experience of the radiologist on the ease of jejunal intubation and the adequacy of SBE using two types of tubes. Comparing intubation time, intubation screening time, total screening time and total room time, we conclude that jejunal intubation is achieved easily, in a reasonable time with both types of tube, by all grades of radiologist, although the experienced operator using the Silk tube achieved intubation in a significantly shorter time. Overall patient acceptability was satisfactory (75%) but was better using the Silk tube, with which entero-gastric reflux and vomiting were less.