Unusual complication of barium studies. Report of case of adherent cecal barolith.

Abstract

A case of asymptomatic, adherent, nonobstructing, barium fecalith (barolith) of the cecum, present for 2 years after previous barium studies, in a 63 year old woman is reported. Although obstruction by retained barium has been described, this is the first report of this type of complication of barium studies. Surgical removal of such fecaliths is recommended because of their adherence and resistance to purging as well as the possibilities of intussusception, obstruction, ulceration, or perforation of the colon.