Barium enema after biopsy: current practice and opinion

Current research shows that sigmoidoscopy or endoscopy together with a superficial mucosal biopsy taken with a fibreoptic-type instrument should not delay the subsequent performance of a barium enema. Rigid biopsy instruments are less controllable and may take 'deep', full-thickness bites when superficial biopsies are attempted. After such a biopsy, an enema should be delayed at least 7 days to allow re-epithelialisation. Neither of these two approaches is common practice as shown in our survey of British radiologists and clinicians. The radiologist should be responsible for performing the barium enema but the survey shows that there is a difference of opinion over who should be responsible for any complications arising from it. Close contact between the referring clinician and radiologist should be maintained at all times.