Double contrast examination in disease of the anorectal region.

Patients with symptoms from the anorectal region will not always be rectoscopically examined and sometimes lesions of the ano-rectal region are overlooked by the rectoscopist. In order to increase the overall diagnostic accuracy and make possible an early diagnosis of pathological changes in the ano-rectal region, the radiologist should take responsibility also for this part of the bowel. Minor lesions are often difficult to demonstrate by the conventional barium enema, but they are readily seen on an adequately performed double contrast examination. Of special importance is the diagnosis of small polypoid tumors which may become malignant. An early diagnosis and subsequent surgical removal of these tumors prevent spread and minimizes the surgical procedure.