BARIUM PERITONITIS - A RARE COMPLICATION OF UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL CONTRAST INVESTIGATION

Contrast examination of the gastrointestinal tract is rarely complicat ed by perforation. The colon and rectum are most commonly affected, wi th many perforations limited to the retroperitoneum. Generalised perit onitis is therefore rare, but is Life-threatening and difficult to tre at. We present two analogous cases in which extravasation of barium su lphate complicated contrast meal investigation. These cases illustrate important aspects in the management of this unusual occurrence.