Predictability of 48-h Delayed Retention of Contrast in Barium Enema in Cases of Chronic Constipation

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease depends on rectal biopsy. This study was designed to find an alternate diagnostic modality to exclude Hirschsprung's disease. AIM: The aim of this study was to find the predictive value of delayed retention of contrast in excluding Hirschsprung's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of chronic constipation presenting during the study duration from June 2014 to June 2016 were included. Those without any obvious history of conservative management were excluded. Parameters considered in barium enema were initial film, routine films, and delayed retention of contrast at 24, 48, and 72 h. They were then subjected to rectal biopsy. The results of rectal biopsy and barium enema were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-eight patients presented during the study duration. One hundred and twenty-eight formed the study group. The average age of presentation was 48 months (range, 1–144). The average duration of prior medical management was 8 months (range, 6–48 months). Forty-two cases were diagnosed as Hirschsprung's disease on rectal biopsy. The symptoms resolved in 31 cases after rectal biopsy and 42 cases after definitive surgery. In the remaining 55 cases, dietary modification along with laxatives was instituted, and they were kept under follow-up. The average follow-up was 12 months (range, 6–48 months). Of the various parameters in barium enema, delayed retention of contrast at 48 h had the highest negative predictive value of 99.67%. CONCLUSION: Delayed retention of contrast at 48 h has the highest negative predictive value in excluding Hirschsprung's disease. This can safely be used to exclude Hirschsprung's disease in cases of chronic constipation.