Ileus - x-ray of distended bowel and stomach

This abdominal x-ray shows a stomach filled with fluid and a swollen (distended) small bowel, caused by a blockage (obstruction) in the intestines. A solution containing a dye (barium) that is visible on x-rays was swallowed by the patient (upper GI series).

Review Date: 7/25/2012
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington; and Joshua Kunin, MD, Consulting Colorectal Surgeon, Zichron Yaakov, Israel. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.