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Barium Enema


Why is this procedure done?


A barium enema takes pictures of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The lower GI tract includes your colon and rectum. This test uses x-rays to take pictures of your colon or large intestine. ‚  
The barium enema is used to help your doctor look for problems like: ‚  
  • Growths, sores, or ulcers
  • Cancer
  • Swelling of your large intestine
  • Blockage of your large intestine

It is also done to find the cause of: ‚  
  • Stools that are too loose or too hard
  • Blood in the stool
  • Problems passing your stool
  • Belly pain
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Changes in your bowel movements
  • Concern about loss of blood or a low blood count


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What will the results be?


A barium enema will show how well your lower GI tract works. Your doctor will talk to you about the results. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • If you are or may be pregnant

Before the procedure: ‚  
  • Your doctor will order something to empty out your bowel before the enema. You may need to drink a liquid drug, take a pill, or have an enema.
  • Your doctor may tell you to start a clear liquid diet. You may not be allowed to have milk and other dairy foods before your test. Ask your doctor about what food and drinks are good for you.
  • Your doctor may tell you to stop eating or drinking at midnight before your test.

What happens during the procedure?


  • You will be asked to remove your clothing and wear a hospital gown. You may also need to take off your jewelry and all metal objects.
  • You will lie flat on your back or on your side on an exam table.
  • The staff will gently put a small tube into your bottom. You may be given a drug to help the muscles of your colon relax. The barium enema solution is passed through the tube going to your colon. A barium enema uses a liquid that looks like a white, chalky milkshake. It helps the pictures look clearer.
  • The staff will see the flow of barium into your bowel on a TV screen. You will be asked to move in a few positions. This will help spread the barium inside your bowel. Other drugs may be given to make a gas inside your belly. The air or gas will help inflate your belly to show clearer images.
  • You may feel like you need to move your bowels. You may feel some pressure or cramping.
  • The staff will take x-rays of your belly. You will need to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. The staff will tell you when you can move and breathe again.
  • You may feel the table slightly moving to change your positions. This will help the machine take pictures from different angles.
  • The pictures taken will be sent to the computer. The monitor will show pictures of your large intestine.
  • The test may take 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will have to wait until the pictures are examined. In some cases, the staff may need to take more pictures.
  • The barium may be removed from your body with the tube or you may pass it in the bathroom.
  • You doctor may give you a laxative or enema to help flush all the barium solution out of your body.
  • Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
  • You should be able to go home after the test. You will need someone to drive you, if you were given drugs to help your colon relax.

What care is needed at home?


  • If you are going for a GI series, follow your doctors orders so you will be ready.
  • You can go back to your normal diet and take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Your stool will look white or gray for 1 to 3 days after the test. This is normal after you have taken barium solution.
  • Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water for the next 24 hours.
  • Use a laxative to pass stools if you have hard stools. If you have any problems with your bowel movements, call your doctor right away.
  • If you were given drugs to help your colon relax, do not drive or run machines for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • The results will help your doctor understand what kind of health problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.

What problems could happen?


  • A small hole in your bowel
  • In rare cases, your bowel could become blocked from the barium

Where can I learn more?


American Society of Radiologic Technologists ‚  
http://www.asrt.org/docs/PatientPages/BarEnema_PaPg.pdf ‚  
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚  
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lowergi/ ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Barium-enema/Pages/Risks.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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