Which imaging tests can confirm the presence of a bowel obstruction?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can indeed be used to identify bowel obstructions, particularly in specific clinical scenarios such as in pregnant patients or when radiation exposure is a concern. MRI provides excellent contrast resolution of soft tissues, which can help visualize distended loops of bowel, fluid collections, and other relevant structures. It's particularly beneficial in assessing complicated cases of obstruction involving adjacent organs due to its ability to produce detailed images without using ionizing radiation.

However, while MRI can be useful, other imaging modalities like CT and ultrasound are more widely recognized and utilized for confirming bowel obstructions in most patients. CT scans, in particular, are often the preferred method due to their speed, availability, and high sensitivity for diagnosing the condition. Ultrasound can also be used, especially in pediatric cases, but may not always give as conclusive results as CT or MRI. Colonoscopy, on the other hand, is primarily used for direct visualization and treatment of the bowel lumen and may not be appropriate for diagnosing a complete obstruction, as it could exacerbate the condition.