Colonic Retention of Barium in the Elderly after Barium-meal Examination and its Treatment with Lactulose

Abstract
Five cases of colonic retention of barium with severe constipation occurring in elderly patients after a barium-meal examination were seen in a two-year period and it is suggested that this complication may be unrecognized. Lactulose 50% (Duphalac) was an effective agent in inducing bowel evacuation in these patients, who were resistant to more generally used methods.