Barium Enema
What is a barium enema?
A barium enema is a test that involves filling the large intestine with liquid barium while X-ray images are taken with a fluoroscope. The procedure is used to diagnose colon cancer and lower bowel inflammatory disease. It can also help to detect polyps and structural changes in the large intestine.
What should I expect?
How long will it take?
How do I prepare?
Locations
What will happen during my barium enema exam?
After changing out of your clothes and into a hospital gown, you will be instructed to lie on an X-ray table so that a preliminary X-ray can be taken. You will then be positioned on your side while an enema tube is inserted gently into your rectum. The tube allows the barium to flow into your colon. The radiologist will monitor the flow of the barium with a fluoroscope, which will show immediate images on its screen.
During the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and feel the need to empty your bowels. However, you will be instructed to hold the barium inside until the technologist has completed the examination. You may also be asked to change positions on the table so that the barium will flow into different parts of the bowels and give better images.
Once the procedure is complete, the enema tube will be removed and you will be directed to a washroom, where you will expel as much of the barium as possible. One or two more X-rays may be taken after the barium is expelled.
Following the exam, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water for the rest of that day and the next, about 8 to 10 glasses each day. This will help you to pass the remaining barium more easily, as it can sometimes lead to constipation.
How long will the barium enema exam take?
The entire procedure usually takes about one hour. Once all the X-rays have been processed, a radiologist will interpret the images and communicate the results to your physician.
How do I prepare for a barium enema?
To insure the highest quality examination and imaging, it is important that you follow the preparation instructions below.
*If you are DIABETIC, consult your physician regarding possible stoppage or reduction of insulin while fasting or on a "clear liquids only" diet.
Two days before your exam:
- Follow a diet of clear fluids only, such as juice, pop, consommé, Jell-o, tea, coffee and water (unrestricted amounts). Do not consume dairy products.
One day before your exam:
- Continue clear liquid diet, and continue to avoid dairy products
- At 4 p.m., drink one glass of clear fluid
- At 5 p.m., drink a magnesium citrate laxative (adults: 300 ml; ages 9-12: 150 ml; ages 6-8: 60 ml; ages 5 and under: none). This can be purchased at a drugstore without a prescription and will cause diarrhea within 3 to 8 hours.
- At 7 p.m., adults should take three Dulcolax tablets (5 mg each). Dulcolax can be purchased at a drugstore without a prescription. It is a laxative and will cause diarrhea within 3 to 8 hours. Do not take Dulcolax if diarrhea is the reason for the exam. Continue your liquid diet for the rest of the evening.
On the day of your exam:
- Shower or bathe
- Do not eat or drink anything until the exam is completed. (Exception: if your exam is scheduled after 1 p.m., you may have a breakfast of clear liquids.)
