Barium Enema Procedure

Barium enema is an imaging procedure, performed for examining the large intestine. Medically referred to as lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, it is an out patient procedure (OPD), conducted as a part of routine medical checkups. The principle behind barium enema procedure is to create a contrast in the bowel by using barium, so that the particular portion can be captured by normal X-ray imaging. This particular diagnostic test is effective for identifying bowel problems and other diseases that affect the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Barium Enema Procedure: Explained

Barium enema procedure is performed in a radiology clinic or hospital, most probably by a radiotherapist. As the large intestine (including colon and rectum) is filled with air, X-ray passes through it easily. The outcome is plain picture, without any clear results. In order to solve this problem, a contrast is created by using enema solution (barium), after which imaging test is done. Prior to the barium enema procedure, certain preparatory steps are required to get accurate results. Following is a brief information concerning barium enema:

Preparation for Barium Enema
The necessary condition for conducting barium enema is to empty the colon. Otherwise, there are chances of getting wrong results. Hence, a candidate of this procedure should cooperate and follow proper tips of preparation, as directed by the radiologist. Prior to the procedure, the doctor examines the medical history and allergic reactions (if any) of the candidate. If everything is fine, then the candidate will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the scheduled time. In case of taking medication, a sip of water is allowed.

Procedure for Barium Enema
According to the procedure, there are two types of barium enema, namely, single-contrast and double-contrast. In the former case, barium is introduced in the bowel , after which X-ray is taken directly. In double-contrast GI series, barium is filled in the bowel and then emptied. Following this, the portion is filled with air, delivered externally. In comparison to single type, double contrast barium enema provides detailed pictures of the intestinal lining. The doctor will recommend the best procedure, based on the current condition of the candidate.

Once in the clinic or hospital, the candidate lies flat on his back on the X-ray table. A normal imaging test is done before the actual barium enema procedure. Then, lying the candidate on side, the radiologist introduce a lubricated enema tube in the rectum, which in turn is attached to a bag containing barium. The balloon of the tube is inflated gently and barium flows into the bowel of the candidate. It is not unusual to feel fullness, mild discomfort, abdominal cramp or an urge to defecate as soon as barium fills up the bowel.

Barium, being a white liquid, does not allow radiation to pass through, thus making the bowel visible in X-ray. During delivery of barium, the doctor closely monitors the flow with the help of a fluoroscope screen. Then, X-ray images are taken from various angles. After this, the enema tube is removed from the rectum. Barium enema procedure generally lasts for 30 - 60 minutes. After the test, passing out whitish stools is normal and may last for two days. The doctor may ask to drink ample amounts of water and juice to flush out barium.

This is how, barium enema procedure is conducted. The barium enema result is then analyzed by the concerned physician. Any medical condition related to the intestinal lining, such as diverticulitis, polyps, ulcer, severe inflammation, colon cancer and rectum cancer can be identified from the test result. If at all, a candidate is not fit for barium enema procedure, the doctor will recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) tests.