INTRACOLONIC PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS DURING HYDROSTATIC AND AIR CONTRAST BARIUM ENEMA STUDIES IN CHILDREN

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate intraluminal pressure changes in th e colon of children undergoing conventional hydrostatic (barium and wa ter-soluble contrast material) and air contrast barium enema studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dynamic intracolonic pressure was measured in 2 6 children undergoing hydrostatic barium (23% wt/vol) enema studies, a ir contrast barium enema studies, or water-soluble contrast material e nema examinations. Measurements were obtained with a measuring device capable of recording rapid changes in pressure. Pressure measurements were obtained with the contrast reservoir system open (contrast materi al was free to run through the tubing into the patient's colon) and cl osed (tube was clamped). RESULTS: The colonic pressures during the fil ling phase with liquid contrast material were equal to those elsewhere at the same level with the hydrostatic system. Mean pressure ranged f rom 30 to 50 mm Hg with peaks of more than 100 mm Hg during Valsalva m aneuvers. During air contrast barium enema studies, sharp pressure inc reases and rapid swings in the intracolonic pressure occurred during a nd after manual insufflation of air. CONCLUSION: During conventional h ydrostatic barium enema studies, intracolonic pressures remain low. Du ring air insufflation, there were intermittent high, sharp pressure pe aks.