OBJECTIVE: Retrospectively determining the coloileal reflux prevalence at the barium enema examination, characterizing its distribution by sex and age range and classifying it according to the intensity degree. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 715 barium enemas were reviewed, being 268 of male patients and 447 of female patients, with average age of 54 years. RESULTS: Of the 715 enemas performed, 46.5% showed coloileal reflux, classified as mild (45%), moderate (37.5%) and severe (17.5%). Coloileal reflux was present in 48.3% of female and in 43.6% of male patients. The coloileal reflux distribution by age range was 46.1% in individuals less than 21 years, 42.1% in individuals between 21-40, 49.8% in individuals between 41-60 and 44.7% in people more than 60 years old. CONCLUSION: Coloileal reflux was a common finding, with 25% of them being classified as moderate or severe. Apparently, there is not a clear relationship between its occurrence and gender or age. The etiopathogenesis and consequences of the coloileal reflux remain still poorly known. Some studies suggest that the compromising of ileocecal junction components, like ligaments, could favor the coloileal reflux occurrence. Among the probable consequences, we could mention contamination and ileal motility disorders resulting from the material refluxed from cecum into the ileum.

Keywords: Coloileal reflux, Ileocecal valve, Ileocecal junction, Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome, Coloileal reflux at the barium enema