[Modification of the imaging quality of the small intestine by using methylcellulose of different classes of viscosity].

In certain diseases originating from the small intestine the peroral application of contrast medium can complete with enteroclysis. The use of methylcellulose MH 1000 proved to be a good compromise between viscosity ans stability of mucosal coating. It allowed good image quality in all segments of the small bowel particularly in the distal ileum. Therefore, this method is clearly indicated in Crohn's disease. Good results were also obtained in delineating tumours, radiation enteritis and ischaemic enteritis. With few patients exhibiting reduced small bowel mobility and/or who are incapable of drinking adequate volumes of contrast medium the results of the oral method are rather unfavourable.