Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Small Bowel Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Small Bowel Imaging
Patient Information
Radiology Department
- Author ID: LW
- Leaflet Ref: Rad 025
- Version: 5
- Leaflet title: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Small Bowel Imaging
- Date Produced: May 2026
- Expiry Date: May 2028
Introduction
If the information within this leaflet does not answer your questions, please contact the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Suite where a member of staff will be pleased to help you:
Telephone: 0300 707 8675. Monday to Friday 8:30am until 5pm.
Please pay attention to your appointment letter. Your scan may be performed at either Wigan Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, or Leigh Infirmary. If you attend the wrong site, you will likely be turned away without a scan.
If you have had any of the following, we may have to defer your scan until we gather more information about your medical history:
- Heart Pacemaker, Loop Recorder, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
- Artificial Heart Valve
- Intra-cranial vessel clips/coils
- A possibility of pregnancy
- Metal splinters/fragments in eyes or body
- Gastric Band
- Internal electronic devices
Please contact MRI appointments on receipt of your appointment on Telephone: 0300 707 8675 if any of the above apply to you.
What is a MRI scanner?
An MRI scanner is a complex imaging machine containing a large open-ended tube. It is used to help diagnose disease and injury. An MRI Radiographer will perform your scan. These Radiographers are highly skilled health care professionals who perform all types of diagnostic imaging.
How does it work?
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to align protons in the body. Each proton produces a signal which is read by a receiver. This information is converted using complex computer technology to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
Is it safe?
MRI scanners use powerful magnetic fields and therefore do not use X-rays. They are safe for most people. However, some people with certain magnetic or electronic objects in or on them cannot be scanned.
Why do I need an MRI Small Bowel?
Small Bowel imaging helps to evaluate, or rule out, conditions such as Crohn’s disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). An MRI Small Bowel scan is a type of scan specific to the small bowel. Your consultant will have considered other imaging options, and your scan will be reviewed by a specialist Radiologist. The MRI scanner produces detailed pictures of your body in a cross section, rather like cutting a tree to view its rings. It can create images from front to back, top to bottom and side to side.
What does the scanner look like?
How long does a scan take?
An average scan takes around 20 minutes. Before your scan, you will need to answer some safety questions. You will then need to drink a preparation solution (such as Klean Prep, Moviprep, lactulose or mannitol) for up to 1 hour before your scan. You will also need to change into a hospital gown. Plan to be with us for up to 3 hours in total.
Occasionally, emergency patients may need to be scanned at short notice and may be seen before you. This could mean that you have to wait a little longer than anticipated.
Please allow for extra time on your parking ticket.
Before your scan
You should not eat anything for 6 hours before your scan; medications can be taken with sips of water. If you are diabetic, you should not eat anything for 4 hours before your scan.
On your arrival to the department, you will be asked some questions to make sure it is safe to scan you. You will be given a litre of preparation to drink in the department. This drink helps to highlight the bowel. In some cases, you may be asked to drink extra preparation in order to achieve good quality imaging. Some patients may experience a laxative effect from the preparation – the toilets will be shown to you before you start drinking. If you have a stoma, please bring extra bags as they will fill quickly.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown, take off any jewellery and lock any valuables, electronic devices, or metal objects in a secure locker.
During your scan
You will enter the scanner feet first. Most patients will be asked to lie on their front for the scan. If you do not think you can manage this please speak to the Radiographer, they will help to make you as comfortable as possible. Lying on your front helps to reduce the natural movement of the stomach caused when breathing, which creates better images.
You will need to lie very still throughout the scan. If you move it may be necessary to repeat a section of the scan, this means you will be in the scanner longer. The scans may require you to hold your breath for a few seconds.
MRI scanners can be noisy (make repetitive knocking sounds). You will be given headphones or earplugs to reduce the noise of the scanner to an acceptable level. It is possible to play music to you if you wish. Most patients listen to the local radio station.
You will be given a contact buzzer in case you need to speak to the Radiographer during your scan or to stop the scan for any reason.
Will I need an injection?
Yes, MRI small bowel imaging requires administration of two injections to provide clearer pictures. This will give the Radiologist extra information to provide a full and comprehensive report on your scan.
A cannula (small needle) will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand before the scan. The first is a muscle relaxant (Buscopan) used to settle bowel movement that could obscure the area being scanned. The second is an MRI contrast dye (Gadolinium) which helps to highlight the blood supply to the organs. Serious side effects are very rare– however you may be asked to stay in the department for up to 30 minutes after the injection as a precaution.
After your scan
A Radiologist will need to study your scans carefully to make the diagnosis. They will produce a written report of their findings, which will be sent to the Consultant who referred you for the scan.
Are there any side effects?
There are no known adverse side effects from a clinical MRI. You can continue to take any medication as normal.
Some patients who receive an injection of Buscopan may notice temporary side effects, such as experience blurred vision, a dry mouth, or tachycardia (faster heart rate). These effects are usually mild and should settle shortly after the scan is finished.
In rare cases, Buscopan can worsen previously undiagnosed glaucoma and may cause symptoms such as red or itchy eyes. If this happens within 48 hours after your scan, please seek urgent medical attention.
Is it claustrophobic?
You will be required to lie in the centre of the scanner (magnet). It is open at both ends and brightly lit. A small number (about 1%) of patients may feel claustrophobic during their scan.
However, the Radiographers are skilled at putting youat ease and making you as comfortable as possible.
Relatives and Escorts
You can bring a relative or friend with you to the Radiology Department. However, they will not normally be allowed in the examination room. Please speak to a member of staff if you have any concerns.
Children / Vulnerable Adults
Please be aware that the department does not have the facilities to supervise children or vulnerable adults. If you need to bring a child or vulnerable adult with you, you must bring an appropriate adult to supervise them whilst you are having the examination.
Interpreters
If you require an interpreter, please contact the department before your appointment so that this can be arranged. (Please Note: Hospital policy states that relatives cannot act as interpreters).
What if I am unable to attend?
The average missed outpatient appointment costs the NHS £160.
If you cannot attend your appointment, please contact the MRI Suite Telephone: 0300 707 8675 so that we can offer your appointment to somebody else. We will be glad to offer you an alternative appointment and will try our best to accommodate you at a date and time suitable to you.
Please allow plenty of time to park your car. If you are running late, please let us know.