| Barium Enema/Air Contrast
What is a barium enema and why
is it necessary?
A barium enema, or lower GI series, is used to study disorders of
the large intestine, colon and rectum by using a contrast medium
called barium given by means of an enema. Barium is a safe, inert
agent and is not absorbed into the blood stream. If you are having
an air contrast barium enema, air will be used along with the barium
during the examination.
What can I expect from the barium enema?
You will need to change out of your clothes into a gown. The radiologic
technologist will position you on a special movable table behind
an x-ray device called a fluoroscope. You will be asked to lie
on your side so a lubricated enema tip can be inserted into
the rectum. This will allow the barium to flow through the colon
while the radiologist or radiologist's physician assistant watches
the movement of the barium on a television monitor. (For air
contrast barium enemas, air will be introduced after the barium.)
X-rays of selected areas will be taken while the colon is filling.
Once the colon is filled, the technologist will then use a different
piece of x-ray equipment to evaluate the entire lower digestive
system. In order to get all the pictures needed for a barium
enema series, you will be asked to turn in different positions
and to hold your breath while the x-rays are being taken. When
the series of x-rays have been completed, you will be able to
go to the bathroom and expel the barium. One last x-ray may
be taken after some of the barium has been expelled. The time
for an average barium enema examination is 30 to 45 minutes.
After the exam is complete you can resume your regular diet, unless otherwise directed by your physician. Barium can cause constipation and may slightly color your stool whitish for the next day or two. To help you eliminate the barium used for your x-ray examination, we recommend that you drink several glasses of water or juice after the procedure, followed by a mild laxative. |
