Colorectal perforation following barium examination in children.

Barium contrast study is a frequently performed investigation in children, but colorectal perforation complicating the procedure is uncommon. A 2-month-old boy suspected of having Hirschsprung s disease developed an intraperitoneal rectal perforation following barium enema for which repair and diversion colostomy was performed. Another 4-year-old boy with Hirschsprung s disease and a transverse colostomy developed a colorectal perforation during distal colostogram using barium and was managed non-operatively. Both patients are well. The management of this uncommon complication is discussed.