title: The use of antispasmodic drugs during barium enemas.
abstract: In 1958, Welin recommended the routine use of atropine before a barium enema to reduce mucus secretion and make the examination more comfortable. Currently, many radiologists believe that smooth-muscle spasmolysis is a useful adjunct during a barium enema and use such a spasmolytic agent. One survey found that spasmolytic agents were administered more frequently in 1987 than in 1976. The use of glucagon had increased 20% between 1976 and 1987. Among 34 foreign institutions responding to the survey, 37% used glucagon and 45% used scopolamine butylbromide (Buscopan). Nevertheless, it is still controversial whether spasmolytic agents play a significant role in the performance and interpretation of a barium enema. Some radiologists routinely use a spasmolytic agent; others do so only selectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skucas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001285:Atropine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004733:Enema; D005934:Glucagon / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010276:Parasympatholytics; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D001285:Atropine; D005934:Glucagon