Use of locally innovated radiopaque markers (MAKKO pills) for colonic transit study

Locally made radiopaque markers for colonic transit study are presented, specifically on how they were made, and how they compared radiographically with markers available abroad. These markers were produced using locally available materials like barium powder, a feeding tube, cyanoacrylate, and emptied drug capsules. They were then ingested and monitored by X-ray. They were found to be radiographically comparable with imported ones. No adverse events were noted when used in 5 patients: 2 patients with constipation secondary to chronic laxative abuse, 2 patients with reducible complete rectal prolapse, and 1 patient with constipation secondary to short segment Hirschsprungs' Disease. (Author)

Segmental Colon Transit Time with Radiopaque Markers in a Delayed-release Capsule / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUNDS/AIM: Scintigraphic measurement of colon transit has been proven useful clinically and in the research area, however this method requires well equipped laboratories. The aim of this study was to develop a new colon transit test using radiopaque markers instead of radiolabeled pellets in a methacrylate-coated capsule. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were studied. After simultaneous administration of two methacrylate-coated gelatin capsules containing activated charcoal mixed with 8 mCi of 99mTc or a commercially used radiopaque marker, scintigraphies and plain abdominal X-rays were performed. We compared colon transit profiles as the geometric center at 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours after ingestion of gelatin capsules. This new radiopaque marker test was validated with a scintigraphic method as the gold standard. RESULTS: Geometric centers (mean+/-SEM) of 99mTc-scintigraphy were 0.50+/-0.18 at 4 hours, 1.16+/-0.05 at 8 hours, 3.31+/-0.36 at 24 hours, and 4.16+/-0.29 at 48 hours. Geometric centers of the radiopaque marker method were 0.40+/-0.16, 1.13+/-0.05, 3.33+/-0.37, and 4.18+/-0.30 respectively. Transit profiles were the same with both methods and highly correlated (r=0.994, p < 0.001). The difference between the two methods against the mean for the geometric center was within 2SD. CONCLUSIONS: A colon transit test using radiopaque markers in a methacrylate-coated, delayed release capsule was inexpensive, simple, and reliable. This new test could be applicable when a gamma camera is not available.