Effect of intravenous Buscopan on colonic distention during computed tomography colonography.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to assess whether spasmolytic drugs are helpful in computed tomography colonography (CTC), as there is conflict in the literature.


METHODS
We assessed retrospectively in a blinded fashion colonic distention in 149 individuals, one-half of whom had intravenous (IV) Buscopan during CTC. Colonic segments (n = 1788) were analyzed by 2 observers, and allocated to one of 4 grades of distention. We also recorded the presence and severity of diverticular disease.


RESULTS
Buscopan increased the likelihood of optimal distention by an OR of 5 when considering individual colonic segments from ascending colon to sigmoid, with little effect on rectum or cecum. Considering the colon as a whole, the OR of optimal distention occurring throughout the entire colon was 7.9 times greater with Buscopan than without. In the sigmoid colon, Buscopan had a significantly greater impact on obtaining optimal distention in those with diverticulosis than in those without.


CONCLUSIONS
Buscopan increases the probability of obtaining optimal distention during CTC, especially in the sigmoid colon in diverticular disease. Buscopan is likely to improve polyp conspicuity and patient comfort, and to reduce both the examination time and the interpretation time. We recommend routine use of Buscopan during CTC.
Behrens
Carola
C
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Stevenson
Giles
G
Eddy
Richard
R
Mathieson
John
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002086:Butylscopolammonium Bromide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011187:Posture; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D010276:Parasympatholytics; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002086:Butylscopolammonium Bromide