If abnormal function of the muscles of the small intestine is suspected, tests to evaluate transportation through the small intestine or the colon (small intestinal and colonic transit studies, respectively) are available. These studies are done with either radioactive compounds or markers that can be seen on X-rays of the abdomen.
It also is possible to pass catheters into the stomach and small intestine or the colon to determine if the muscles of these organs are working normally (antro-duodenal and colonic motility studies, respectively). Finally, constipation due to malfunction of the anal muscles can be diagnosed by ano-rectal motility studies.
It also is possible to pass catheters into the stomach and small intestine or the colon to determine if the muscles of these organs are working normally (antro-duodenal and colonic motility studies, respectively). Finally, constipation due to malfunction of the anal muscles can be diagnosed by ano-rectal motility studies.
