Endoscopically and radiologically documented coloscopy. A method for the demonstration of pathologic findings

Abstract

Colo-ileoscopy is increasingly used in the primary diagnosis of diseases of the colon. But a disadvantage of the method is that the findings cannot be demonstrated spacially or documented. This can, however, be made up by instilling an iodine-containing, water-soluble contrast medium into the endoscopically demonstrated abnormal area and obtain a radiological documentation. The method is suitable for demonstrating benign and malignant stenoses and tumours of the colon, diverticula, ileocolic anastomoses, mucosal changes in ulcerative colitis of longer standing as well as Crohn's disease, fistulae, and the appendix or terminal ileum. If coloscopy is successful only as far as the right flexure, the ascending colon can be demonstrated radiologically by this method. Larger polyps can be removed at the same sitting after documentation. This form of examination was performed without complications in 104 patients. As it is simple it can be employed in the routine documentation of pathological findings in the colon.