[Roentgen diagnosis of the large intestine with special reference to the double-contrast method and its significance in tumor diagnosis].

In the X-ray examination of the large intestine by means of the retrograde contrast medium enema on extreme filling radiographs as well as on radiographs of the mucous membrane small tumours can be overseen. The same applies to the peroral demonstration of the large intestine. Better results are yielded by the double contrast method. Therefore it has been exclusively used in our clinic since 1961. The following prerequisites must be fulfilled for an evident examination: - optimum cleaning of the bowel, - steady and thin contrast medium covering of the intestinal wall and demonstration of all sections of the intestine on 2-3 pictures in different position of the radiograph in every case. Under these conditions polyps of a diameter of 5-6 mm can be demonstrated. With the help of results of the examinations of 1,390 patients it is referred to the importance of the demonstration also of small lesions of the colon. The rate of carcinomas amounted to 14,5%; that of polyps was 6,2%. For 1/5 of the polyps a malignancy was determined histologically.