Prepare for a Barium Enema Exam
- Preparation for the exam. On the day preceding the exam, do not eat any solid foods. You may have jello, strained juices, and other liquids.
- During the exam. The technologist will verify your identification and exam requested. ...
- After care and side effects. You may go to the toilet facilities to expel the barium. ...
How do you prepare for a barium enema?
You may need to do this again on the day of the test.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- You will take a laxative. Your doctor will give you this to empty your intestines.
- You may be asked to do a water enema to clean your colon. ...
What should I expect from a barium enema?
What to expect with a barium enema?
- The barium enema test will take around one hour to complete.
- You will be lying on your side on an X-ray table beneath an X-ray machine for your procedure.
- X-rays are taken, and you may be required to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time.
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?
What type of Doctor can order a barium enema? Gastroenterologists therefore prescribe a barium enema to diagnose diseases and conditions associated with the large and small intestines, such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. A barium enema is usually done in your doctor’s office or the radiology department of a hospital.
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.
Are you awake during a barium enema?
You will remain awake throughout the barium enema procedure. The contrast material (barium) will be put into the rectum through a plastic tube. Aside from that discomfort, you may feel the pressure of the liquid that is being administered.
What is the common side effects of performing barium enema?
Risks of barium enema may include, but are not limited to: Colon perforation. Constipation or fecal impaction....What are the risks of a barium enema?Suspected bowel perforation.Severe ulcerative colitis.Pregnancy.Toxic megacolon.Acute abdominal pain.
Does barium enema require sedation?
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.
Is a barium enema as good as a colonoscopy?
Barium enema generally is not as accurate as colonoscopy or virtual colonoscopy. Barium enema can miss (fail to detect) polyps or sometimes even cancers. Barium enema also has difficulty detecting colitis involving the superficial lining of the colon.
Can I eat 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 symptoms would lead a doctor to recommend a barium enema?
In the past, your doctor may have recommended a barium enema to determine the cause of signs and symptoms, such as the following:Abdominal pain.Rectal bleeding.Changes in bowel habits.Unexplained weight loss.Chronic diarrhea.Persistent constipation.
How long do you hold in an enema?
Connect the catheter to the enema bag. Now, open the tube clamp and allow the enema to flow in for 5–10 minutes. You can close the clamp a little to slow down the enema flow. Hold the fluid in for 5–10 minutes.
What can I eat the day before a barium enema?
Preparation for the exam On the day preceding the exam, do not eat any solid foods. You may have jello, strained juices, and other liquids. You may drink as much as you like, but not any milk products. At 12 noon of the day preceding the exam, take one bottle of Magnesium Citrate.
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.
Does barium make you poop?
Sometimes a laxative is needed to help remove the barium. For a few days after the procedure, you may notice that your stools are white or lighter in color than normal. This is caused by the barium and is considered normal.
Can you drive home after barium enema?
In most cases, you can drive yourself home after a barium enema. However, if you were given an antispasmodic injection, you may experience blurred vision for 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens during a barium enema?
During a barium enema exam, an X-ray machine takes pictures of the colon while an enema tube inserted in the rectum delivers liquid barium. A barium enema is an X-ray exam that can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). The procedure is also called a colon X-ray.
How long does a contrast enema take?
A contrast enema study takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
What happens if barium hardens in your stomach?
A barium enema is very safe. On rare occasions, the barium remaining in the colon hardens and can cause constipation or even colon obstruction. It can also inflame areas in the colon.
How long does it take to get a 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 is barium enema?
A barium enema is a procedure to help your doctor detect if there are any problems in your colon and rectum. In X-rays barium liquid shows up as contrast inside your colon to highlight abnormalities. Appointments 216.444.7000. Appointments & Locations. Contact Us.
How does a barium tube work?
A tube is inserted into your rectum. The barium will slowly flow through the tube into your colon. If your physician has requested a double contrast study, a small amount of air will also be delivered through the tube. X-rays are taken and you may be asked to hold your breath a few times.
What to take the day before a blood test?
The doctor will let you know which medications you can take the day before and morning of the test. In addition, you will need to purchase a 10-ounce bottle of magnesium citrate, Dulcolax® tablets and a Dulcolax suppository. The day before the test you will not be allowed to eat solid foods or drink dairy.
How to get rid of barium in stool?
After the test, drink plenty of fluids and eat high fiber foods such as whole grains, vegetables or fruits to expel the remaining barium in your colon. You may also take a mild laxative as needed. Your stool may be light in color for a couple of days due to the barium.
What are the symptoms of a barium enema?
Your physician may request that you have a barium enema to assess symptoms, such as the following: Abdominal pain. Diarrhea. Constipation. Changes in bowel habits. Blood in stool. Unexplained weight loss. The exam may diagnose diseases, including: Inflammatory bowel disease – Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Where to empty barium from colon?
You will be taken to the bathroom to empty the barium from your colon, and a final X-ray may be taken.
What is the barium used for on an X-ray?
It is used to help find diseases and other problems that affect the large intestine. Before the X-ray, you will be given an enema that contains barium. Barium is also called contrast material. It is put into your intestine through a tube that is placed in your rectum. The barium helps your large intestine show up clearly on the X-ray picture.
How do you prepare for the test?
For 1 to 3 days before the test , you will drink water, fruit juices, plain coffee or tea, and broth.
Does barium enema take a long time to do?
The barium helps your large intestine show up clearly on the X-ray picture. A barium enema can be uncomfortable. But usually the test does not take a long time. Many people say that the preparation is the hardest part of the test. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Can you take a laxative before a barium enema?
You may be asked to do a water enema to clean your colon. You may need to do this again on the day of the test. Before a barium enema, tell your doctor if you: Are or think you may be pregnant. Are allergic to latex.
What are the symptoms of barium enema?
In the past, your doctor may have recommended a barium enema to determine the cause of signs and symptoms, such as the following: Abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding. Changes in bowel habits. Unexplained weight loss.
What is the difference between an X-ray and a barium enema?
Normally, an X-ray produces a poor image of soft tissues, but the barium coating results in a relatively clear silhouette of the colon. During a barium enema exam, air may be pumped into the colon. The air expands the colon and improves the quality of images. This is called an air-contrast (double-contrast) barium enema.
How to remove barium from colon?
After the exam, most of the barium will be removed from your colon through the enema tube. When the tube is removed, you'll be able to use the toilet to expel additional barium and air. Any abdominal cramping usually ends quickly, and you should be able to return to your usual diet and activities right away.
How does a barium bag work?
A barium bag will be connected to the tube to deliver the barium solution into your colon. If you're having an air-contrast (double-contrast) barium enema, air will flow through the same tube and into your rectum. The tube that's used to deliver the barium has a small balloon near its tip.
How to get rid of colon edema?
Take a laxative the night before the exam. A laxative, in a pill or liquid form, will help empty your colon. Use an enema kit.
How to relax a radiologist?
Do your best to hold the enema tube in place. To relax, take long, deep breaths . You may be asked to turn and hold various positions on the exam table. This helps ensure that your entire colon is coated with barium and enables the radiologist to view the colon from various angles.
Before Your Exam
Pediatric patients will need to follow the bowel prep instructions given by their physician.
During Your Exam
For this test, a tube is inserted into your rectum and your colon is filled with barium, which helps improve the X-ray images. You will move into different positions and hold your breath while the X-rays are taken. Pressure may also be applied to your stomach to improve the images.
After Your Exam
If you are constipated after your test, drink plenty of water. If you have any issues with your bowel movements after the exam, please contact your doctor. Your stool may be white or light for a day or two after your test. Contact your doctor to discuss the results of your exam.
How do I prepare for a barium enema?
PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your doctor. Notify the radiologist if you've had a recent barium swallow or upper GI procedure, as this may interfere with obtaining an optimal X-ray exposure of the lower GI area.
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 is barium used with X-rays?
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. This allows for visualization of the inner wall lining, as well as the size, shape, contour, and patency of the colon. This process shows differences that might not be seen on standard X-rays. Barium is used only for diagnostic studies of the GI tract.
What happens after a barium enema?
Following the examination, some barium will be expelled immediately. You'll be assisted to the bathroom or given a bedpan.
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 to ask your doctor about radiation?
You may want to ask your doctor about the amount of radiation used during the procedure and the risks related to your particular situation. It's a good idea to keep a record of your past history of radiation exposure, such as previous scans and other types of X-rays, so that you can inform your health care provider. Risks associated with radiation exposure may be related to the cumulative number of X-ray examinations and/or treatments over a long period of time.
Where are you positioned on the examination table?
You will be positioned horizontally on the examination table in a side-lying position.
What is the enema used for X-rays?
It is used to help find diseases and other problems that affect the large intestine. Before the X-ray, you will be given an enema that contains barium. Barium is also called contrast material. It is put into your intestine through a tube that is placed in your rectum.
How do you prepare for the test?
For 1 to 3 days before the test , you will drink water, fruit juices, plain coffee or tea, and broth.
Can you take a laxative before a barium enema?
You may be asked to do a water enema to clean your colon. You may need to do this again on the day of the test. Before a barium enema, tell your doctor if you: Are or think you may be pregnant. Are allergic to latex.
Does barium enema take a long time to do?
The barium helps your large intestine show up clearly on the X-ray picture. A barium enema can be uncomfortable. But usually the test does not take a long time. Many people say that the preparation is the hardest part of the test. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Why is a barium enema performed?
Your doctor may recommend a barium enema is to diagnose diseases and conditions of the colon and rectum including:
How long should you be in pain after a barium enema?
Tell your care team if you have discomfort that does not go away quickly or if you are in pain. It is normal for you to have white-colored stools for a day or two after a barium enema. Call your doctor if you are constipated for more than two days or if you can’t pass gas.
What are the risks and potential complications of a barium enema?
A barium enema involves risks and possible complications. Complications may become serious in some cases. Complications can develop during the procedure or recovery.
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.
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 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.
Why do radiologists use barium solution?
The barium solution helps to improve the quality of the X-ray images by highlighting certain areas of tissue. 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.
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 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 to eat after barium?
This means increasing how much water you drink and eating foods like whole-wheat pasta, beans, peas, and raspberries. Sometimes a laxative is needed to help remove the barium.
Overview
- A barium enema is an X-ray exam that can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). The procedure is also called a colon X-ray. An enema is the injection of a liquid into your rectum through a small tube. In this case, the liquid contains a metallic substance (barium) that coats the lining of the colon. Normally, an X-ray produces a poor image of soft tissues, but the b…
Why It's Done
- 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 signs and symptoms, such as the following: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Rectal bleeding 3. Changes in bowel …
Risks
- 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.
How You Prepare
- Before a barium enema exam, you'll be instructed to empty your colon. Any residue in your colon may obscure the X-ray images or be mistaken for an abnormality. To empty your colon, you may be asked to: 1. Follow a special diet the day before the exam.You may be asked not to eat and to drink only clear liquids — such as water, tea or coffee without ...
What You Can Expect
- During the exam
During your barium enema, you'll wear a gown and be asked to remove eyewear, jewelry or removable dental devices. The exam will be performed by a radiology technician and a physician who specializes in diagnostic imaging (radiologist). You'll begin the exam lying on your side on … - After the exam
After the exam, most of the barium will be removed from your colon through the enema tube. When the tube is removed, you'll be able to use the toilet to expel additional barium and air. Any abdominal cramping usually ends quickly, and you should be able to return to your usual diet an…
Results
- The radiologist prepares a report based on the results of the examination and sends it to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you, as well as subsequent tests or treatments that may be required: 1. Negative result.A barium enema exam is considered negative if the radiologist detects no abnormalities in the colon. 2. Positive result.A barium enema exam is con…