11/14/07

What is Barium Enema

   A barium enema is a special x-ray of the lower digestive tract, colon or large intestine.  Because standard x-rays can photograph only bony structures, a liquid barium preparation, given by enema   is used to make the colon and rectum visible to x-ray.  Soft tissues and hollow organs, such as the intestine, must be “outlined” by a contrast medium to make the area to be examined visible on film.

   A barium enema enables the Radiologist to detect any problems such as blockage, cancer, a mass, polyp (small tumor that is usually benign that grows on the mucus membrane), diverticulae (small pouches that form on the colon wall that can become inflamed), inflammatory bowel disease, narrowing of the colon (stricture) or other disorders.  Along with colonoscopy, barium enema remains the standard for diagnosing diseases of the colon.

What to expect during your barium enema exam

   After changing into a gown, you will be asked to lie on a table in the examining room near a special x-ray machine (the fluoroscope).  The technologists or radiologist may ask a few simple questions before exam begins.

   You will be positioned on your side, and a technician will gently insert a specially designed enema tip into your rectum. Next, you will feel the thick, chalky barium mixture filling your colon, making you feel as though you need to have a bowel movement.  It sometimes takes a bit of concentration to hold the solution long enough for the technologists to take the necessary x-rays. Only enough barium will be used to line the colon.  Feel free to ask the technologists any questions you might have.

Learn how to prepare for your Barium Enema.

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