Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare three types of catheters used in computed tomographic (CT) colonography with regard to insufflation time, gas volume, patient acceptance, and colonic distension. We randomly allocated 355 patients to one of three groups as follows: group A (rigid, large-diameter barium enema tubes with double large balloons), group B (thin, flexible, 12-French rectal catheter without a balloon), and group C (thin, flexible, 12-French rectal catheter with a small balloon).
RESULTS: The insufflation time was significantly longer in group B. The total mean gas volume was not different among the three groups. Overall, the participants' tolerance was significantly worse in group A than in group B or C. Although the colonic distension in the supine position was similarly adequate in the three groups, the distension grade in the prone position in group A was superior to that in group B or C.
CONCLUSION: Examination quality for insufflation was the best when a thin, flexible rectal catheter with a small balloon (group C) was used.
