Double Contrast Barium Enema and Its Value in Diagnosis of Colonic Diseases

Two hundred patients suspected to have various colonic diseases were examined by means of double contrast barium enema in our hospital from November,1978 to August 1979 with good results in 85% of cases.
This paper described the radiographic technique used by the authors,discussed the facts which may influence the results of this examination and evaluated its role in diagnosis of colon diseases.
The writers considered that a clean colon and a good preparation of barium sulfate suspension are very important in obtaining a satisfactory radiogram.A method including the dietary preparation,hydration of the patient and purging of the bower with magnesium sulfate before the use of contact laxative for clean colon was described:cleansing enemas are usually unnecessary.Good results for radiologic visualization were obtained in 176 of these 200 patients,The way of preparing a good barium suspension was also shown in detail.Other facts related to quality of films,such as the duration of examination,the use of hypotonic drug and foam eliminating agent,and the temperature of barium suspension etc.are also of importance.Under these conditions even very small polypoid lesions and early ulcerative changes of the colon can be clearly demonstrated.
It was concluded that double contrast barium enema is a simple,safe and effective method for the examination of colon.