What are barium enemas, air-contrast barium enemas/colostomy Barium/Gastrografin Enemas?
Your physician has ordered a barium enema or barium enema with gastrografin. A barium enema is an X-ray of the large intestine (colon). This X-ray can also be ordered as a barium enema with air contrast. Depending on your diagnosis and clinical history, the technique will vary. Barium (a white liquid) or gastrografin is used to outline or fill the colon. This enables visualization of the colon under X-ray. The procedure is done to assess for polyps or anemia. If you have a colostomy, this may be done prior to having the stoma closed. What are the general procedures for Barium Enemas/Gastrografin? You will be asked to lie on a special table in a dimly lit room. To make the large intestine visible on the X-ray, a chalky white liquid called barium is put into the intestine during the test. You will be positioned on your side for the enema tubing to be inserted into your rectum. Your intestine will be filled with barium. (It is important that you do not expel the enema so the pictures may
