The barium enema: a reassessment looking toward perfection.

In a crossover study of more than 300 double contrast colon examinations, including 2,200 radiographs, many common and some uncommon views were taken and compared. An optimal series of "routine" films and the order in which they should be taken are presented. This will produce a complete colon examination in the most efficient way. Some technical considerations are presented which proved necessary to produce a superb examination. This new routine represents a reduction in the number of films advocated by Welin and Miller in earlier publications. The findings are compatible with both air contrast and full column techniques.