How Do We Diagnose Intestinal Failure?

At Stanford Health Care's dedicated Neurogastroenterology, Motility and Functional Disorders Program, experts perform a complete range of diagnostic tests, which helps us accurately diagnose your condition. Using advanced tests, such as gastroduodenal manometry, we measure the degree of intestinal failure you are experiencing. This information helps us determine the best treatments for your condition.

You may need one or more tests including:

• Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan: Using X-rays and special computer software, this test creates two- and three-dimensional images of your intestines. Providing alternative views of your bowel, pancreas, and other organs, CT scans help us examine details that might not be visible through other imaging tests.
• Abdominal X-ray: A standard X-ray of your small intestine to identify abnormalities or blockages
• Barium enema/lower gastrointestinal series: X-ray study examining your rectum, large intestine, and the lower part of your small intestine using a special dye containing barium. This chemical helps show the fine details of your intestines. Learn more about barium enema/lower GI series testing.
• Blood tests: Using a sample of your blood, we may run a number of tests including:
  • Complete blood count to look for signs of anemia and infections
  • Electrolyte and kidney function panel to look for electrolyte abnormalities and liver issues
  • Albumin tests to assess your nutritional status
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: Examining the entire length of your colon (screening colonoscopy) or just the lower part of your colon (sigmoidoscopy) with the help of a small flexible tube and tiny camera we insert into your rectum (endoscope). Learn more about Endoscopy at Stanford Health Care.
• Gastric emptying study: Using advanced imaging technology and a tiny amount of radioactive (nuclear) material to examine how quickly you move food from your stomach to your small intestine after eating a small meal
• Gastroduodenal manometry: With the help of a small flexible tube, tiny camera and special instruments we pass down your mouth to your esophagus (endoscope), we measure how strong and how often the smooth muscle in your stomach and small intestine contracts and relaxes.
• Scintigraphic gastric accommodation: Measuring the volume of your stomach contents before and after a meal. This test also shows how well your stomach muscles relax when you are eating.
• Upper endoscopy: With the help of a small flexible tube and tiny camera we pass through your mouth and esophagus (endoscope), we carefully examine the lining of your stomach for ulcers, inflammation, infection, and cancer. During your upper GI endoscopy procedure, we may also take a tissue sample (biopsy) and examine it under a microscope.
• Wireless capsule gastrointestinal monitoring system: Swallowing a pill with a tiny wireless monitoring system inside (SmartPill®) to record acid levels, temperature, and pressure changes in your GI tract. The wireless motility test lets us know how fast or slow your stomach, small bowel, and colon are emptying. Your body cannot digest the SmartPill®, and it will eventually pass through a bowel movement.