Impression method of the colon using sodium alginate--an experimental evaluation in dog.

An experimental study using adult dog was conducted on the impression of the colon whereby a screening test is done by making a mold of the intestine with sodium alginate. The mold of the intestine could be obtained easily and safely in a short time. Protrusions about 2 mm in diameter corresponding to lymphoid tissue of the rectum and sigmoid colon and shallow depressions on the surface of the protrusions were exactly imprinted on the surface of the mild. Compared with the barium study and endoscopy, this method requires neither special equipment nor high-grade technique, can be done easily in a short time and was not inferior in the diagnosis accuracy. Sodium alginate used in this method is a safe substance which is being used clinically as a plasma expander and laxative in addition to being used as an additive to various foods. When injected into the intestine, it exerted no injurious action whatsoever. from these findings, the possibility of this method being used clinically was considered high.