Use of antispasmodic drugs in double contrast barium enema examination: glucagon or buscopan?

PURPOSE

To compare the spasmolytic effect of glucagon and buscopan in double contrast barium enema examination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients referred for double contrast barium enema examination were randomly allocated to receive an intravenous injection of either 1 mg of glucagon, 20 mg of buscopan or physiological saline. The transit of the barium column from rectum to caecum, the quality of the radiographs and side effects were assessed blindly without knowledge of the injected drug.

RESULTS

Antispasmodic drugs (glucagon or buscopan) resulted in better transit of the barium column to the caecum compared to placebo (Mann-Whitney: P < 0.05), but no differences occurred between glucagon and buscopan (Mann-Whitney: P > 0.05). Buscopan produced better distension of the rectosigmoid than glucagon or placebo (P < 0.05). Of 109 patients who received buscopan five complained of blurred vision afterwards.

CONCLUSION

Because buscopan is less expensive and more effective in distending the colon than glucagon, it is preferred for the routine double contrast examination. However, patients should be warned about the possibility of temporary visual impairment.