What is a barium enema?
A radiographic exam that allows us to properly X-ray the large intestine and colon. This procedure is especially valuable as a screening tool for patients who have a family history of colon cancer. It’s also helpful in diagnosing certain diseases or conditions for patients who are experiencing unexplained weight loss, changes in their bowel habits, pain, anemia, or bleeding.
Examining the colon for abnormalities and polyps often calls for a special diagnostic procedure known as a barium enema, or lower G.I. (gastrointestinal) exam. Because a standard x-ray image cannot provide a well-defined picture of soft tissues such as the colon, a contrasting agent must be applied to provide more definition. In the case of a barium enema, this contrasting agent is a metallic powder called barium sulfate. Before a barium enema can begin, the patient is usually required to maintain a clear liquid diet to clear out any remaining stool from the colon. A standard enema may be used to make sure the colon is as clear as possible. Fecal material can block the view of certain sections of the colon if not removed. Once the patient has been prepped, he or she is dressed in a hospital gown and led to an examination room. The barium enema process itself starts with the injection of the barium sulphate suspension into the patient’s colon through the rectum. This can be a notoriousl
