[Air or methylcellulose as a double contrast medium in x-ray studies of the small intestine?].

The value of enteroclysma in comparison to peroral roentgenologic imaging of the small bowel is beyond doubt. For the use of applicable double contrast media we carried out comparative investigations in 118 patients with inflammable diseases of the small bowel. 92 patients were investigated with air and 26 with 1% methylcellulose solution in double contrast. Advantages and shortcomings of both methods are discussed. For the diagnostic results as well as for the application of complementing techniques air seems to be better for double contrast studies than methylcellulose.