Contrast radiography in small bowel obstruction. A randomized trial of barium sulfate and a nonionic low-osmolar contrast medium.

Thirty-six adult patients clinically suspected of small bowel obstruction underwent small bowel contrast radiography with either barium sulfate or a nonionic low-osmolar contrast medium after randomization. Films were taken after 2, 4, and 8 hours and later when needed. No difference as regards visualization and diagnostic quality was found between the 2 media. It is concluded that a nonionic low-osmolar contrast medium is an alternative to barium sulfate for small bowel contrast radiography where small bowel obstruction is suspected.