Method for ejecting cestodes: duodenal tube injection of gastrografin.

Most of the conventional anthelmintics for cestodiasis are known to destroy the worm body. The risk of cysticercosis and recurrence of cestodiasis will be avoided only if tapeworms are ejected with intact bodies and scoleces . Two cases with Diphyllobothrium latum and two with Taenia saginata were treated by administration of 200-300 ml of Gastrografin through a duodenal tube. The worm bodies were confirmed by fluoroscopy, and the expelled worms were alive and had intact scoleces . No adverse effects were noted in the patients during or after the treatment.