Diagnostic effectiveness of preoperative water-soluble contrast enema in colorectal perforation

Summary Objective To evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of performing a preoperative water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE) before emergency surgery for colorectal perforation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 68 consecutive patients who underwent a preoperative WSCE before emergency surgery for colorectal perforation during the period from January 2011 to December 2017. Clinical characteristics and inflammatory biomarkers were compared between patients with Hinchey I–II versus those with Hinchey III–IV. Results WSCE leakage occurred in 27 of 68 patients (39.7%). Univariate analysis showed that the two groups (Hinchey I–II and Hinchey III–IV) significantly differed regarding age, perforation site, cause of perforation, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, presence or absence of WSCE leakage, and white blood cell count. Multivariable analysis revealed that WSCE leakage was a predictor of Hinchey III–IV, with an odds ratio of greater than 24 (P = 0.002). The sensitivity and specificity of WSCE leakage for differentiating those with Hinchey III–IV from those with Hinchey I–II were 76.5% and 97.1%, respectively. Conclusions This retrospective study indicates that preoperative WSCE before emergency surgery is a useful tool for predicting the presence of Hinchey III–IV in patients with colorectal perforation.