[Colorectal complications of radiological examinations].

These complications are uncommon, but can be very serious. They are dominated by perforations, in the case of barium enemas. The use of rigid canulas and/or balloons are often implicated in rectal perforations which occur most readily in rectal tissue damaged by a biopsy. Colonic perforations usually occur in damaged tissues (various forms of colitis, cancer, colostomy). The hydrostatic pressure seems to be incriminated as a precipitating factor in the development of spasms in the presence of an underlying obstruction. The other complications are much less common. In children, perforation usually occurs during reduction of an intestinal intussusception. The complications of embolisation of the abdominal arteries consist of necrosis; the left colonic flexure is at greatest risk because of its blood supply. Emergency embolisation can be performed provided certain rules are respected.