Is Barium Enema an Adequate Diagnostic Test for Patients With Positive FOBT?

This is a blinded cohort study comparing double contrast barium enema (DCBE) and colonoscopy in detecting polyps and/or cancer in patients with positive FOBT. Initial evaluation consisted of complete clinical history and physical examination. A DCBE and a colonoscopy were performed in all patients. All polyps identified during colonoscopy were removed and classified by histology. Sensitivity and specificity of DCBE for polyp and/or cancer detection was determined. Tolerability and grade of satisfaction with study procedures was assessed.