MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ileus - X-ray of bowel distension

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Ileus - X-ray of bowel distension

This abdominal x-ray shows thickening of the bowel wall and swelling (distention) caused by a blockage (obstruction) in the intestines. A solution containing a dye (barium), which is visible on X-ray, was swallowed by the patient (the procedure is known as an upper GI series).

Update Date: 5/1/2006

Updated by: Benjamin Taragin, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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