PREPARATION OF THE COLON FOR SINGLE-CONTRAST AND DOUBLE-CONTRAST BARIUM ENEMA EXAMINATION - A SIMPLIFIED METHOD

A commercially available prepackaged liquid diet was prescribed to 112 patients to use in combination with laxatives in a 1-day preparation regimen before single- and double-contrast barium enema examination. Cleansing enemas were not performed before the examination. Colon radiographs were evaluated with regard to amount of residual stool, mucosal detail, coating, and overall quality. Results were excellent in 92% (103 of 112) of patients and fair in 5% (six of 112). Cleansing enemas can be avoided through use of this preparation protocol.