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Radiography: large intestine contrast
Synonym(s): Barium enema
Introduction
- Retrograde administration of positive, negative or a combination of contrast agents into the large intestine provides information about the intestinal lumen.
Uses
- Investigation of:
- Tenesmus, eg colitis
. - Large bowel diarrhea Diarrhea: chronic.
- Hematechezia.
- Suspected intussusception Intussusception.
- Position of colon in relation to caudal abdomen/pelvic masses.
- Suspected large intestinal obstruction, eg colonic mass
.
- Tenesmus, eg colitis
Advantages
- Relatively simple procedure in most practices.
- Inexpensive.
Disadvantages
- Messy.
- Time consuming.
- May give limited information.
Alternative techniques
- Endoscopy Colonoscopy should precede barium study if doing procedure on same day.
- Ultrasonography (do not perform negative contrast study prior to ultrasonographic examination).
Time required
Preparation
- 15 min.
Procedure
- 20 min.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Is the examination appropriate?
- Can you make the diagnosis without it?
- Will your management of the case be affected by the outcome of the examination?
Risk assessment
- If suspect perforation of bowel water-based agent may be safer.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Brawner W R & Bartels J E (1983) Contrast radiography of the digestive tract. Indications, techniques, and complications. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 13 (3), 599-626 PubMed.
- Nyland T G & Ackerman N (1978) Pneumocolon - a diagnostic aid in abdominal radiography. J A Vet Radiol Soc 19 (6), 203-209 VetMedResource.
Other sources of information
- Thrall D E (1998) The Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology. 3rd edn. pp 560-570.
Organisation(s)
- American College of Veterinary Radiology, Executive Director, Dr M Berstein, P O Box 87, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA. www.acvr.ucdavis.edu