Barium enema examination following biopsy of the rectum or colon

A four-component study was designated to evaluate the possible risk of perforation during barium enema examination following biopsy of the rectum or colon. The study included a survey of gastrointestinal radiologists, an in vitro study of pig colons after biopsy, colon pressure measurements in human subjects, and histological analysis of human colonoscopic biopsy specimens. The results suggest that superficial biopsy of the rectum of colon performed with small colonoscopic forceps is a safe procedure and no waiting period is necessary before performing a barium enema study. However, biopsy of the colon or rectum with proctoscopic forceps appears to have greater potential for perforation and a waiting period between biopsy and barium enema study is recommended. Radiologists should distinguish between proctoscopic and colonoscopic biopsy procedures before determining when a barium enema study will be performed following biopsy.