Multidetector computed tomography enteroclysis of patients with small bowel obstruction: a volume-rendered "surgical perspective".

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains a vexing clinical challenge to radiologists and surgeons. Despite advances in diagnosis, low-grade SBO can be easily missed on computed tomography (CT). Multidetector CT enteroclysis using positive oral contrast combines the volume challenge of enteroclysis with the cross-sectional multiplanar capability of multislice helical CT and allows for volume rendering of the densely opacified intestines. Such 3-dimensional models may ultimately simplify the understanding of the obstructive process as well as assist in surgical planning.