A preliminary study of the possible benefits of using carbon dioxide insufflation during double-contrast barium enema

We read with interest the article by Grant et al (1986), because we too recently completed a double-blind trial to assess patient discomfort following double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) using CO2 versus room-air insufflation (Coblentz et al, 1985). Contrary to their findings, we found both a clinically and statistically significant reduction in pain after DCBE when CO2 was used.