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Barium enema

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Barium enema
Barium enema
Rectal cancer, X-ray
Rectal cancer, X-ray
Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray
Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray
Barium enema
Barium enema

Alternative Names    Return to top

Lower gastrointestinal series

Definition    Return to top

Barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. Before x-rays are taken, a liquid called barium sulfate is placed in the rectum. The liquid is a type of contrast. Contrast highlights specific areas in the body, creating a clearer image. The barium eventually passes out of the body with the stools.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test may be done in an office or a hospital radiology department. You lie on the x-ray table and a preliminary x-ray is taken. You will then be told to lie on your side. The health care provider will gently insert a well-lubricated tube (enema) into your rectum. The tube is connected to a bag that contains the barium. The barium flows into your colon.

A small balloon at the tip of the enema tube may be inflated to help keep the barium inside your colon. The health care provider monitors the flow of the barium on an x-ray fluoroscope screen, which is like a TV monitor.

There are two types of barium enemas:

You are asked to move into different positions and the table is slightly tipped to get different views. At certain times when the x-ray pictures are taken, you hold your breath and are still for a few seconds so the images won't be blurry.

The enema tube is removed after the pictures are taken. You will be given a bedpan or helped to the toilet, so you can empty your bowels and remove as much of the barium as possible. One or two x-rays may be taken after you use the bathroom.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

You must completely empty your bowels before the exam. This may be done using an enema or laxatives combined with a clear liquid diet. Your health care provider will give you specific instructions. Thorough cleaning of the large intestine is necessary for accurate pictures.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

When barium enters your colon, you may feel like you need to have a bowel movement. You may also have a feeling of fullness, moderate to severe cramping, and general discomfort. Try to take long, deep breaths during the procedure. This may help you relax.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

The barium enema is used to detect colon cancer. It may also be used to diagnose and evaluate the extent of inflammatory bowel disease.

Normal Results    Return to top

Barium should fill the colon evenly, showing normal bowel shape and position and no blockages.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Abnormal test results may be a sign of:

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Risks    Return to top

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the smallest amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.

A more serious risk is a perforated colon, which is very rare.

Considerations    Return to top

Colonoscopy is another way to diagnose and monitor diseases in the colon.

Update Date: 3/8/2008

Updated by: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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