Barium enema preparations.

Abstract

Bowel preparation is an important prerequisite prior to performing a double contrast barium enema, its aim being the removal of faeces and any residual particles so that the large bowel is completely empty. This research project was designed to compare two different preparatory regimes, one of which is currently in use at St Luke's Hospital (Malta), with the aim of finding which preparatory regime is most effective. The research instrument were a set of evaluation criteria used for the evaluation of barium enema preparations. The researcher concluded that the preparations were equally effective and produced good results with regards to both faecal clearance and mucosal coating. On the basis of the findings, recommendations are proposed with the aim of improving the diagnostic quality of barium enemas.