Variations in use of “water soluble contrast challenge” for small bowel obstruction among academic radiologists: results of a national survey

Bahar Mansoori, Vasantha Vasan, Yin Xi, Julia R. Fielding

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency and indications for use of oral water-soluble contrast challenge as a diagnostic test for small bowel obstruction in four regions of the USA. Materials and methods: We distributed a 9-question web-based survey to the abdominal section heads of academic radiology departments throughout the USA (N = 97). The questions pertained to use of water-soluble contrast for management of small bowel obstruction. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact tests were used for data analysis. Results: The overall response rate was 46%. Eighty percent of the responding hospitals had more than 500 beds in operation. Water-soluble contrast challenge was considered standard of care for management of non-operative small bowel obstruction in 60% of the responding radiology departments. The majority of the responding departments (41%) performed 2–8 contrast challenge studies per month on average. The most frequent indication for the study was distinguishing partial vs complete bowel obstruction. Eighty percent of the responding radiologists believed that the contrast challenge is useful for management of small bowel obstruction. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in frequency and indication for use of water-soluble contrast challenge based on geographic location. Conclusion: The water-soluble contrast challenge was considered standard of care for non-operative management of small bowel obstruction in majority of the academic radiology departments represented in this survey. Surgeons were referring clinicians in every case. The most common clinical indication for the study was distinguishing partial versus complete small bowel obstruction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1050-1056
Number of pages7
JournalAbdominal Radiology
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2020

Keywords

  • Academic radiologists
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Gastrografin
  • Small bowel obstruction
  • Water soluble contrast

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Gastroenterology
  • Urology

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