The role of decubitus films in double-contrast barium enemas.

Five hundred barium enemas were reviewed to find the influence of the decubitus films on the radiologist's report. In two cases they demonstrated abnormalities that had not been seen on any other film. In 21 out of 43 cases they resolved a diagnostic problem that had arisen when viewing the other films. They were of greatest value in differentiating possible polyps from faecal residue in patients with imperfect bowel preparation.