An evaluation of success rates of double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) examinations at a local general hospital.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate of DCBE exams performed at the Medical Imaging Department (MID) of a local general hospital, to determine the causes of unsuccessful DCBEs and to identify the characteristics of patients whose exam was unsuccessful. Methodology: The study was carried out prospectively on fifty-two patients that were referred for a DCBE at the MID of a local general hospital. A checklist was filled in during every exam and exams were categorised as successful or unsuccessful according to the criteria on the checklist and the radiologist's report. Results: Seventeen (33%) of the 52 DCBE were deemed unsuccessful, with poor bowel preparation a primary factor in 15 (88%) of the 17 unsuccessful exams. Poor preparation and incontinence together and inadequate imaging of the entire colon were each the cause of one (6%) of the unsuccessful exams. No patient characteristics were associated with an unsuccessful DCBE. Of great clinical significance in relation to the success of the DCBE was patient compliance with the colon cleansing protocol. Compliance with the protocol was found to be low in the unsuccessful group due to limited explanations given to these patients. Conclusions: These results demonstrate a high percentage of unsuccessful DCBE due to poor preparation in the local general hospital. They suggest a need for improved methods of relaying information about the bowel cleansing protocol, which must be strictly adhered to if the DCBE is to be a success.