23rd August 2023

A 55-year-old man with a history of chronic constipation is brought into A&E by his wife due to acute onset severe abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting

A 55-year-old man with a history of chronic constipation is brought into A&E by his wife due to acute onset severe abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting. The physical examination reveals a distended, tympanitic abdomen with high-pitched bowel sounds.

Which of the following diagnostic procedures is most appropriate?