Evaluation of the Small Bowel Barium Motor Meal

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Abstract
If an adequate amount of plain or colloidal barium suspension is ingested, an accurate and valuable examination of the small bowel anatomy and function is obtained with little undue effort. More complicated technics are necessary in only very unusual circumstances. On the basis of analysis of duplicate small bowel examinations of 32 adults with gastrointestinal signs and symptoms (including 16 cases of tropical sprue), the use of at least 16 ounces of barium suspension in motor meal examinations is suggested. This reults in a more satisfactory examination of the small bowel than is obtained when only 8 ounces of barium suspension is used. The advantages are primarily decreased time and greater ease of interpretation. Other factors influencing the small bowel study are discussed. The signficance and various consequences of flocculation are analyzed. Abnormalities noted in "malabsorption states" are described and illustrated.

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