Prevention of crackle in double contrast examinations of the colon

Crackle of the barium contrast during double contrast examinations of the colon probably results from a drying effect due to resorption of water. The duration of the examination should therefore be kept as short as possible and the patient should be well hydrated. The tendency to crackle can be decreased by increasing the molality of the barium enema by suspending barium contrast in 0.4% saline.