title: Technical note: an evaluation of the routine use of rectal air in computed tomography of the pelvis.
abstract: We have performed computed tomographic examinations of the pelvis in 50 patients, using rectally administered air to outline the rectosigmoid colon. Bowel cleansing was not performed and smooth muscle relaxants were not used. The procedure was well tolerated by all patients, and diagnostic images were obtained in all cases. There were no complications. This is a safe, low cost and easily administered form of bowel contrast. We recommend it as the technique of choice in routine pelvic computed tomography.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Poole Hospital NHS Trust, Dorset, UK.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Walkden
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Metreweli
mesh_terms: D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011029:Pneumoradiography / Q000379:methods*; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*