You will be positioned horizontally on the examination table in a side-lying position.
A lubricated rectal tube will be inserted into the rectum
to allow the barium to flow into the intestine. The barium will be allowed to flow slowly into the intestine.
How should a barium enema tip be inserted?
You’ll begin the exam lying on your side on a specially designed table. An X-ray will be taken to make sure your colon is clean. Then a lubricated enema tube will be inserted into your rectum. A barium bag will be connected to the tube to deliver the barium solution into your colon.
Can you be sedated for a barium enema?
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.
How long does a contrast enema take?
A contrast enema study takes
about 15 to 30 minutes
.
Why would a doctor order a barium enema?
A barium enema is an x-ray of the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, which helps the body process waste. A barium enema
helps doctors find health conditions in the colon and rectum
, such as inflammation, polyps, and cancer. Barium is a contrast medium.
How long does it take for barium to pass through your system?
Often, additional X-rays are made after the barium has been excreted from the bowel, which is
usually one or more days after
the procedure. After the procedure, a small amount of barium will be expelled from the body immediately. The remainder of the liquid is later excreted in the stool.
Are barium enemas painful?
Having a barium enema may be a bit embarrassing and unpleasant, but
it shouldn’t be painful
. You’ll probably feel uncomfortable when the air is pumped into your bowel during the test, similar to the feeling of having trapped wind.
What do barium enemas diagnose?
Some abnormalities of the large intestine that may be detected by a barium enema include
tumors, inflammation, polyps (growths), diverticula (pouches), obstructions, and changes in the intestinal structure
. After the instillation of barium into the rectum, the radiologist may also fill the large intestine with air.
Is a barium enema the same as a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is more accurate than barium enema
in detecting polyps, cancers, and colitis. Colonoscopy also has the added advantage of being able to remove polyps and obtain biopsies (tiny tissue samples for analysis under a microscope) at the same time of the procedure.
How does the body get rid of barium?
You can manage
constipation
by drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in fiber to help the rest of the barium leave your body. You may also be given a laxative to help with this. Your bowel movements may be white or lighter in color until all the barium has left your body.
Can you drive after a barium enema?
After the exam
You will be shown to the bathroom to pass the barium, and you may be given a laxative to help. You will likely feel some mild to moderate abdominal cramping that may require
you to wait awhile before driving home
.
How much water should I use for an enema?
Fill the enema bag
with 500 cc (about 2 cups) warm tap water
. Do not use hot water. 2. Hang the enema bag on a nail or hook or have someone hold it about 12 to 18 inches above your rectum.
How many enemas can you do in a week?
The enema can be used up to three days in a row before consulting a physician. If you have not received relief after three days of use, please contact your doctor. Using
more than one enema within 24 hours
can be harmful.
What is the difference between barium swallow and barium enema?
For a barium swallow or barium meal, the barium sulphate powder is mixed with water (and sometimes flavouring) then swallowed. X-rays are taken as you swallow the mixture. For a barium enema, the powder is mixed with water and introduced into the bowel through a tube inserted into the rectum.
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.
What does a barium follow through show?
A barium follow through is
an examination of your stomach and small bowel
. These parts of your body cannot normally be seen on x-ray images unless coated in a white liquid called barium contrast.
