[Double-contrast radiologic examination of the colon and rectum]

Double contrast (DC) barium enema is used at many centers as a routine technique for examination of the colon. However, simple contrast enema remains an efficient alternative easy to perform. DC may be performed in a direct manner in a single operation. The contraindications are few (severe colitis, risk of perforation). DC has proved advantageous for detection of polyps and study of inflammatory diseases of the colon. In granulomatous colitis in particular, it contributes to better analysis and differential diagnosis of the lesions, and surveillance of their evolution.