Performing an MRT according to Sellink
definition
Magnetic resonance tomography according to Sellink is a special magnetic resonance tomography examination of the small intestine. While the stomach and large intestine can be examined very well with an endoscopy, the Sellink procedure offers a good way of assessing the small intestine. With this method, the mucous membrane of the small intestine can be clearly checked for inflammation, tumors or chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Read more on the topic: Diagnosis of Crohn's disease
General information on the subject of Sellink can be found at: Investigation method according to Sellink
Preparations for the Sellink investigation
So that the intestine can be well represented and the Mucous membrane can be assessed precisely, the bowel is prepared for the examination.
The patient should be approx Avoid fatty and fiber-rich food for 2 days. These include, for example:
- legumes
- whole grain products
and - Dairy products.
On the other hand, sufficient fluids in the form of tea, water and coffee can still be supplied without any problems.
The day before the examination, the intestine is through laxative measures completely cleaned and emptied. For this, depending on the hospital, different laxatives or drinks are administered, which should be drunk within a short time. Then they develop their effect and clear the intestines of stool residues.
On the day of the examination, the Patient sober to be so that the cleaned bowel can finally be examined in detail.
These laxative measures can work for many patients very uncomfortable and due to the high loss of fluids also affect the circulation. Hence, a hospitalized offered one day before the examination to monitor and support the patient in preparation.
Procedure of the investigation
The patient receives one for the examination venous access.
It is then comfortably stored on a lounger in the tubular magnetic resonance imaging scanner driven and positioned in such a way that the MRI images are produced exactly of the region to be examined.
The MRI examination device makes very loud and various knocking noises. To reduce the volume of these noises, the patient may receive headphone when set up, it can also communicate with the responsible staff at the same time.
The patient is provided with the venous access during the MRI-Sellink examination Medication administered. On the one hand, he receives a drug called Buscopan® which the Temporarily reduced intestinal motor skills. This is to ensure that sharp images are created of the intestinal sections, which then enable a very good assessment.
In the meantime, a Contrast media passed into the veins, which after some time has also spread in the intestinal mucosa. Contrast media offer the opportunity to better differentiate changed tissue such as that of a tumor from healthy tissue.
In addition, the Structures such as vessels and tissue thereby in the Sellink MRI examination more visible because the cells of different tissues absorb the contrast agent to different degrees. There are several advantages to this method.
Duration of the Sellink MRI
The duration of the Sellink MRI is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Of the The patient is not exposed to radiation for the duration of the examination and a Sedation (Reassurance) is not required in most cases. An exception can be that there is a pronounced claustrophobia. In this case you can find more information under our topic: MRI for claustrophobia. Here you can find out how you can survive the duration of the MRI better.
The investigation is painless and offers an easy way to Status of the small intestine to raise.
indication
A MRI according to Sellink is at so far unexplained complaints in the small intestine applied. It enables a precise assessment of the small intestinal mucosa with regard to connective tissue adhesions such as:
- Clamps (adhesions)
- inflammatory processes like Ulcers with colitis or Crohn's disease
and - possibly existing sac-shaped protuberances of the small intestine wall as in Diverticula occurrence.
The examination can also reveal malformations, fistulas, disorders of bowel rotation during development or stenoses.
Is there any suspicion tumor Having developed in the area of the small intestine, the MRI scan can also be a very good diagnostic tool.
The images can be used to detect tumors Contrast media can be judged particularly well in terms of their location and size.
Furthermore, the investigation becomes Clarification of unclear diarrhea, Bleeding and Intolerance reactions to food used.
However, the examination can also be carried out after surgical interventions such as the removal of individual sections of the small intestine. In this way, on the one hand, it is possible to check whether the seams are tight and, on the other hand, the position of the remaining sections of the small intestine can be assessed.
Contraindication
The Sellink MRI examination is contraindicated in patients with a Pacemaker, a built-in Cardio defibrillator, firmly implanted Neurostimulator or one Insulin pump or Dentures with magnetic brackets.
Implanted devices are supported by the MRI according to Sellink massively tightened and damaged and, accordingly, can lead to serious complications.
The doctor should also have a known one allergy or Intolerance to the contrast agent be informed.
The examination should still not be carried out if a pregnancy in the first trimester (1st third) consists. `
So far, damage to the fetus has not yet been proven with certainty, but an examination should only be carried out under strict indication and in exceptional cases.
Cost of an MRI Sellink examination
The Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a expensive investigation. The costs can vary depending on the effort and associated with a outpatient or inpatient treatment amount to several hundreds of euros.
The indication for a MRI Sellink examination should therefore be made strict and the patient can find out more about the costs from his health insurance company before the implementation.
The assumption of costs or the participation in the costs can vary depending on the reason for the examination with the different health insurance companies.
If the doctor deems the examination necessary, the costs will be covered by the statutory insurance. For privately insured persons are with costs of 600 - 1000 € to be expected.
