The effect of laxatives and enemas on the sonographic visibility of the pancreas.

Thirty-six patients were evaluated concerning the visibility of the pancreas under different conditions. One group (12 patients) was prepared with fasting for 4 hours, the second group (12 patients) was additionally given laxatives for one day prior to the examination together with a small enema (preparation for IVP). The third group (12 patients) received laxative treatment for 2 days (preparation for barium enema) but was otherwise treated in the same fashion as group 2. The study did not reveal any difference in visibility between the three groups thus indicating that routine preparation with 4 hours fasting alone can still be recommended when examining the upper part of the abdomen (except the gallbladder) with ultrasound.