The efficacy of barium-enema examinations in patients with anorectal disease.

This retrospective study examines the value of an air contrast barium enema examination in detecting proximal neoplasia in the patient presenting with benign anorectal disease as determined by history, physical examination, rigid, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. In 428 of these patients, the roentgenographic studies showed proximal colonic cancer or polyps in less than 1 percent of patients reviewed. In addition, a review of 402 patients with known colon and rectal cancer were surveyed using the same criteria for diagnosis, and less than 1 percent were misinterpreted as having benign anorectal disease.