Double-contrast barium enemas have fallen out of favor in areas where colonoscopy is readily available, since the latter procedure may still be required for treatment if the DCBE reveals a polyp.

Given the lack of evidence supporting the use of DCBE for screening purposes, coupled with the fact that colonoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic, colonoscopy remains the preferred method of total colonic surveillance.

When it is not available, DCBE is still considered an acceptable alternative.

Copyright 2000