Development of impression method of the colon using sodium alginate--experimental evaluation by the use of intestinal phantom.

We devised an impression method of the colon using sodium alginate as a screening method for diseases of the lower part of the colon and evaluated its usefulness by means of an intestinal phantom. Sodium alginate, when mixed with water, kept enough fluidity immediately after mixing and could easily be poured into the phantom. With this paste gelatinized sharply in the phantom about two minutes after, an impression of the intestinal phantom could easily be made. Sodium alginate is a safe substance which is already used clinically. This method is thus expected to become popular as a screening method for diseases of the lower part of the colon.