The abdominal plain film. What will be its role in the future?

Conventional imaging studies are now being closely scrutinized for clinical utility. Some, like the skull film, are obsolete while others have secured an enduring place for themselves. The plain film of the abdomen occupies a middle ground with its role supplanted by other studies for many conditions but its value is still appreciated for the assessment of intestinal obstruction and perforation. Today, its special capabilities for the evaluation in diverticulitis and iron therapy have been under emphasized. In the future, the plain film will have a narrower focus but when combined with CT both examinations can be enhanced.