What should I expect from a barium enema?
What should I expect during the barium enema? The barium enema test takes around an hour to complete. You will remove clothing and jewelry and put on a gown prior to the study. You will lie on your side on an X-ray table beneath an X-ray machine. A tube is inserted into your rectum. The barium will slowly flow through the tube into your colon.
What are the risks of doing barium enema?
Rarely, complications of a barium enema exam may include:
- Inflammation in tissues surrounding the colon
- Obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract
- Tear in the colon wall
- Allergic reaction to barium
What type of Doctor can order a barium enema?
Who gives a barium enema? A radiology technician or a radiologist performs a barium enema. It is done in an x-ray room in either a hospital or a doctor's office. After the procedure, the radiologist reads the results and diagnoses or confirms any abnormalities. How should I get ready for a barium enema?
What to expect with a barium enema?
What to expect
- Your intestines must be empty before this test. The day before your test, you are asked to take some of the following steps to empty the colon as directed by ...
- Eat a clear liquid diet
- Take laxatives
- Take warm water enemas
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
How do you perform a barium enema?
How the Test is PerformedYou lie flat on your back on the x-ray table. ... You then lie on your side. ... The barium flows into your colon. ... Sometimes a small amount of air is delivered into the colon to expand it. ... You are asked to move into different positions. ... The enema tube is removed after the x-rays are taken.More items...•
How long does a barium enema procedure take?
A barium enema usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
How painful is barium enema?
Will it hurt? You may feel some discomfort when the enema tube is inserted. During the test, you may feel some discomfort, including bloating and severe cramping. You may feel as if you need to move your bowels.
Do they put you to sleep for a barium enema?
Barium enema is performed at an outpatient X-ray center or in a major hospital. You usually go home the same day the procedure is done. You do not have to undergo anesthesia for this test but you may receive some medicine to reduce any abdominal cramping.
Is barium enema better than colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is more accurate than barium enema in detecting polyps, cancers, and colitis. Colonoscopy also has the added advantage of being able to remove polyps and obtain biopsies (tiny tissue samples for analysis under a microscope) at the same time of the procedure.
What happens after barium enema?
What Happens After a Barium Enema? You may get a laxative or an enema to make sure all the barium is out of your body. You should be able to eat and drink normally afterward. You may have white bowel movements as the barium works its way out of your system.
What if I can't drink all the barium?
When a patient can't drink all the oral contrast due to the taste or texture or drink it in the recommended time frame imaging staff may try to coax/coach the patient to finish drinking. However, prolonged drinking times may disrupt the schedule as well as result in images that are suboptimal.
What should come out after enema?
An enema is a device that people use to clear the lower half of the large bowel. It contains fluid that goes into the colon and expels feces, after a short period of retention. There are different purposes for enemas, ranging from preparation for a medical examination to regular detoxification.
How long does the barium stay in your system?
Often, additional X-rays are made after the barium has been excreted from the bowel, which is usually one or more days after the procedure. After the procedure, a small amount of barium will be expelled from the body immediately.
Can barium get stuck in colon?
Ileus caused by impaction of hardened residual barium stagnated in the colon-a rare complication of barium-meal examination-constitutes a particularly serious problem when it occurs following abdominal operations, leading to postoperative ileus.
How is an enema done in hospital?
You will be asked to lie on your left hand side and to draw your knees up so that they are touching your chest. The nurse or doctor will then insert the nozzle of the enema into your bottom and will squeeze the bottle so that the liquid is emptied out.
Can barium make you sick?
Patients may feel nauseous after a barium swallow test or become constipated. Drinking lots of fluids can help to relieve constipation. Symptoms of nausea should improve as the barium passes through the system.
What is a barium enema?
A barium enema is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The large intestine, including the rectum, is made visible on X-ray film by filling the colon with a liquid suspension called barium sulfate (barium). Barium highlights certain areas in the body to create a clearer picture.
Why do doctors recommend barium enema?
Unexplained weight loss. Irritable bowel syndrome. Changes in bowel movements. Such as chronic diarrhea or constipation, or passing of blood, mucus, and/or pus. There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a barium enema.
What is fluoroscopy in a barium enema?
In a barium enema, fluoroscopy allows the radiologist to see the movement ...
What are the abnormalities of the large intestine that can be detected by a barium enema
Some abnormalities of the large intestine that may be detected by a barium enema include tumors, inflammation, polyps (growths), diverticula (pouches), obstructions, and changes in the intestinal structure. After the instillation of barium into the rectum, the radiologist may also fill the large intestine with air.
What is barium powder?
Barium is a dry, white, chalky, powder that is mixed with water to make barium liquid. Barium is an X-ray absorber and appears white on X-ray film. When instilled via the rectum, barium coats the inside wall of the large intestine.
What do radiologists do with barium?
The radiologist will take single pictures, a series of X-rays, or a video (fluoroscopy) as the barium moves through the intestine. If a double contrast study is ordered, you'll be asked to evacuate some of the barium. A bedpan or access to a bathroom will be provided. Some barium will remain in your intestine.
Why is a rectal tube inserted into the rectum?
A lubricated rectal tube will be inserted into the rectum to allow the barium to flow into the intestine. The barium will be allowed to flow slowly into the intestine. You may experience cramping in the lower abdominal area as the barium is instilled.
How to prepare for a barium enema?
You can prepare for a barium enema by: Answering all questions about your medical history and medications. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal treatments, and vitamins. It is a good idea to carry a current list of your medical conditions, medications, and allergies at all times.
What to expect after barium enema?
It is important to keep your follow-up appointments after a barium enema. Call your doctor if you have any concerns between appointments, such as: Constipation. Fever (you should not have any fever after a minor testing procedure) Pain. Rectal bleeding, bloody stools, or black tarry stools.
What are the complications of barium enema?
Complications of a barium enema are not common but include: Barium impaction, which is a blockage of the colon caused by the barium. This is a rare event. Dehydration due to taking enemas and laxatives before the procedure. Puncture of the colon. Small risk of cancer due to radiation exposure.
What is the procedure to put barium in the colon?
It uses a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy . The procedure involves putting barium inside the colon through a tube inserted into the rectum. Barium is a chalky metallic contrast material. It illuminates the colon to show detailed images of the inside of the colon. A barium enema is only one method used to diagnose colon conditions.
How does barium flow through the colon?
The radiologic technologist will instill the barium mixture slowly into the colon. The barium flows through a small, lubricated enema tube inserted into the rectum. A small amount of air may be injected to help the barium spread more evenly in the colon. This makes the best images.
What to do before colon surgery?
Cleansing your colon as directed. This may include a combination of enemas, laxatives, and not eating solid foods or drinking on the day or night before the procedure. Taking or stopping medications exactly as directed. This may include taking your usual medications with a small sip of water.
How to prepare for barium enema?
How to Prepare for a Barium Enema. Your doctor will ask you to cleanse your bowels the night before your test. This may include using laxatives or taking an enema at home. You shouldn’t eat anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
Why do doctors order barium enema?
Your doctor may order a barium enema if they suspect an abnormality in your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are numerous conditions and symptoms that could prompt your doctor to examine your lower GI tract, including: abdominal pain. blood in your stools. a change in your bowel movements. Crohn’s disease.
What is the name of the procedure that a radiologist uses to take X-rays of the colon
This is called an air-contrast barium enema. The technician will instruct you to hold still and hold your breath while the X-ray images are taken.
What to do if you have difficulty bowel movement?
If you have difficulty or pain with bowel movements, fever, or rectal bleeding, call your doctor. If you do not have a bowel movement for two days after the exam or are unable to pass gas, call your doctor. Last medically reviewed on January 14, 2016.
What are the complications of barium enema?
Other rare complications from a barium enema may include: inflammation of the tissues around your colon. obstruction of your gastrointestinal tract. a perforated colon. a tear in your colon wall.
What is the procedure called when you see your internal organs?
The X-ray used in this procedure is known as fluoroscopy. It allows the radiologist to see your internal organs in motion by tracking the flow of the barium solution through your intestinal tract. The test doesn’t require painkillers or sedation, but there may be moments of slight discomfort.
What to drink on a colon X-ray?
On the day of the procedure, you can drink clear liquids, such as water, tea, juice, or broth. This is to ensure that your colon is clear of any stool, which could show up in the X-ray images. Tell your doctor if you’ve been having problems with your bowel movements prior to the test.
What is a barium enema?
A Barium enema is an examination of your lower gastrointestinal tract (your doctor may call it your lower GI tract) using X-rays. It’s also known as a colon X-ray. X-rays show doctors what's happening inside your body. They produce helpful images of your bones, fat, muscle, and even the air in your lungs. But when it comes to your colon, X-rays ...
How long does it take to get a barium enema?
Since you aren’t able to eat or drink before the test, most doctors give barium enemas in the morning. The test can take anywhere from a half-hour to an hour. Two people will guide you through the barium enema: the radiology technician and a radiologist, a doctor who's trained to perform and read the X-rays.
How to get rid of barium in colon?
You don’t want the barium to leak out. If needed, you can get a bedpan or go to a bathroom. They may pump air in to help the barium cover every part of your colon.
What is barium powder?
Barium is a white, chalky powder. A technician mixes it with water and passes it through a small tube in your rectum. This barium mixture covers the lining of your colon and lets your doctor take images of it at work, highlighting anything that may be causing trouble.
How long after barium enema can you eat?
You should be able to eat and drink normally afterward. You may have white bowel movements as the barium works its way out of your system. Call your doctor if you feel constipated, don't have a bowel movement for 2 days after the exam, or are having a hard time passing gas from your rear end. Barium Enema Results.
What does a positive barium enema mean?
There are two kinds of results: A positive result means the radiologist found something abnormal in your colon. A negative result means your colon is working normally.
How does an enema bag work?
The enema bag holds the barium liquid. Near the tip of the tube is a balloon that keeps the barium inside your body. As the barium flows into your colon, you may feel cramping or the urge to have a bowel movement. This can be uncomfortable. Try to breathe and relax so the tube stays in place.
What is a barium enema?
Prepare for a Barium Enema Exam. A Barium Enema is an x-ray examination of the large intestine, also known as the colon. This includes the right or ascending colon, the transverse colon, the left or descending colon and the rectum. The appendix and a portion of the small intestine may also be included.
How to get rid of white stool after a barium?
The barium will make your stools white for a few days. If you are going home, you may resume normal activities. Drink plenty of fluids in the days following the exam. If you experience constipation after the exam, tell your doctor.
What to do if you feel uncomfortable with barium?
In certain situations, the radiologist may introduce air along with the barium solution. If you feel uncomfortable, you should tell the technologist or radiologist .
What is barium enema?
A barium enema is a test used to help see the outline of the large bowel (colon). Note: the information below is a general guide only. The arrangements, and the way tests are performed, may vary between different hospitals. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or local hospital.
How is barium liquid passed through a tube?
Barium liquid is then passed through the tube into your large bowel (colon).
What is barium liquid used for?
A thick white liquid that contains barium is used as an enema to place in the colon . Barium liquid can also be taken as a drink and is used to obtain clear X-ray pictures of the upper gut - the gullet (oesophagus), stomach and small intestine.
How long does it take for barium to pass out?
The barium will make your poo (faeces) white or pale until it has all passed out from your large bowel (colon). This may take a day or so.
How to stop constipation from barium?
The barium may make you constipated. So, to help prevent constipation: Have lots to drink for a day or so to flush the barium out of your gut (intestines). Eat plenty of fruit for a day or so. See your doctor if you haven't passed any poo (faeces) after three or four days.
Where does barium spread?
The aim is to get the barium liquid to spread all along the colon as far as the point where the small intestine joins the colon (the caecum). To help with this, the person doing the test may: Ask you to move into different positions on to your back, sides, etc, to help with the flow of the barium liquid.
How to relax the colon?
Give you an injection of a drug that makes the muscles in the wall of the colon relax. Pass some air down the enema tube into the colon. (This may feel a little uncomfortable - like 'trapped wind'.) The air expands the colon and also pushes the barium to coat the lining of the colon.
Where is barium injected?
Barium is injected through this tube into the colon and rectum. A small balloon at the end of the tube is inflated to keep the barium inside. X-rays are taken. After x-rays are taken, the enema tube is removed and you will be shown to the bathroom to eliminate the barium fluid.
What happens after you remove barium?
After expelling the barium, the enema tube is reinserted. A small amount of air will be passed into the colon, and more x-rays are taken. The tube is then removed. You will again go to the bathroom to expel air and any remaining barium.
How to empty your intestines before a colonoscopy?
The day before your test, you are asked to take some of the following steps to empty the colon as directed by your physician: Eat a clear liquid diet. Take laxatives. Take warm water enemas. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Can you drink barium after a blood test?
You should drink lots of fluids because barium can cause dehydration and constipation. You may need to take laxatives to help pass barium.
Can you pass barium in the bathroom?
You will be shown to the bathroom to pass the barium, and you may be given a laxative to help. You will likely feel some mild to moderate abdominal cramping that may require you to wait awhile before driving home.
Post Procedure
Do not let the patient leave until you show images to the Radiologist.
What is a Barium Enema – Tech Refresher
A barium enema is another term for an xray of the colon. Also called a B.E., it can reveal abnormal pathology in the large intestine (colon).
Why It's Done
Injection of a liquid containing barium into the rectum.
Treatment for: Intussusception · Diverticular Hemorrhage
Type of procedure: Minimally invasive
Recovery time: Can take several days
Duration: About 30-60 minutes
Hospital stay: Typically a few days
Risks
How You Prepare
What You Can Expect
- In the past, doctors used barium enema to investigate the cause of abdominal symptoms. But this test has mostly been replaced by newer imaging tests that are more accurate, such as CTscans. In the past, your doctor may have recommended a barium enema to determine the cause of sign…
Results
- A barium enema exam poses few risks. Rarely, complications of a barium enema exam may include: 1. Inflammation in tissues surrounding the colon 2. Obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract 3. Tear in the colon wall 4. Allergic reaction to barium Barium enema exams generally aren't done during pregnancy because X-rays present a risk to the developing fetus.