Why on earth does radiology insist on oral contrast?

Small Bowel Obstruction – Oral contrast is contraindicated in suspected in SBO. IV contrast is preferred, but not required.

Suspected appendicitis – Oral contrast is not required, but may be beneficial in extremely thin individuals (e.g. BMI < 18), or non-obese children.

Suspected diverticulitis – Oral contrast is not required

Unclear etiology – PO contrast is suggested by some experts in undifferentiated abd pain if the patient is very thin (e.g. < 120 pounds, BMI < 18); has had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; or has and inflammatory bowel disease that could produce a fistula

EMKF

Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) is an NGO supporting emergency healthcare providers across Kenya to save lives by strengthening the emergency healthcare system through capacity building, knowledge development, advocacy and research.