Patient's Preference for Examination of the Large Intestine With Double Contrast Barium Enema or Computed Tomography Colonography

The aim of this study was to compare Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) and Computed Tomography Colonography (CT Colon) from the patient's perspective. The study population composed of 100 patients aged 18 years or older who underwent CT Colon (n = 50) or a DCBE (n = 50). A 10-point questionnaire was distributed after each procedure. Responses were compared using the Mann-Whitney test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation test. When compared with male patients, female patients showed a preference for female radiographers. This showed a statistically significant difference where p < .001. A majority indicated that it was not at all embarrassing and that they were more than satisfied with the information and reception during the examination. No statistically significant difference was found regarding perception of pain and discomfort between the two examinations, as different subjects underwent the two examinations. There was a strong preference for female radiographers by female patients, although the examination was not perceived as being embarrassing or intimate. Patients did not find the examination embarrassing possibly because that they are fully clothed.