Optimizing single- and double-contrast colon examinations

Abstract

Recent technical advances have greatly increased the effectiveness of barium enema examinations for detection of common diseases of the colon. As documented in the literature, the double-contrast enema may equal or exceed colonoscopy in detection of colonic neoplasms and, with proper technique, the single-contrast enema may also closely approach these results. This presentation reviews recent technical improvements in the areas of radiographic-fluoroscopic equipment, fluoroscopic images, film-screen combinations, barium suspensions, examination techniques, filming sequences, and quality controls. These are employed to optimize both the double- and single-contrast barium enemas to where their sensitivities are competitive with endoscopy.