Double Contrast Examination in Carcinoma of the Colon and Rectum

Abstract

During a 9-mo. period, 2590 patients were referred for radiographic examination of the large bowel. All but 55 of these examinations were performed according to the double contrast examination [DCE] method. The patients were followed prospectively from 40-48 mo. Carcinoma of the colon of rectum was disclosed in 96 patients and other malignant lesions in 7 others. The carcinomas in 93 patients were diagnosed at the primary DCE. During the follow-up period, carcinoma of the colon was revealed in another 10 patients, the malignancy having been obfuscated by diverticulitis in 3 patients and considered polyps in 6 others. The accuracy of the double contrast method was calculated at 99.3%.