Optimizing single- and double-contrast colon examinations

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.