Preparation:

-Over 5 years old: Nothing to eat or drink for six hours prior to the exam (the last meal should be a low-fat meal).

-Adults: Don’t eat or drink anything 8 hours before the test (overnight fast). If you are diabetic or need some medication according to your Doctor’s prescription, take your pills if necessary, with small sips of water. No carbonated, sweetened, or caffeinated beverages, could possibly interfere with test results. 

-The study should be performed early in the day to minimize bowel gas interference. The patient should not chew gum or smoke the morning of the exam, this may increase the swallowing of air. 

-Our Protocol has two phases: Fasting and Post-prandial ( 30 minutes after eating some meal). You must bring a beverage and a small sandwich, and eat after our instructions for the second phase ( post-prandial)

Common indications for performance of this exam include, but are not limited to:  

-Postprandial pain and cramping (fear of food).

-Persistent diarrhea.

-Recent and significant unexplained weight loss.

-Abdominal bruits.

-Unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.

-Postoperative evaluation of vascular reconstruction or endovascular procedure.

-Suspected aneurysm of mesenteric, hepatic, and/or splenic arteries.

-Suspected median arcuate ligament syndrome (celiac artery compression syndrome).

-Suspected vascular insufficiency of the intestine.

Contraindications and limitations may include the following: 

-Open abdominal wounds, sutures, or staples.

-Drains and/or peritoneal dialysis catheters.

-Emphysematous breathing patterns, inability to hold breath.

-Overlying bowel gas.

-Obesity.

-Large firm/tense abdomen.

-Limitations in ability to change positioning.

-Patient cooperation.