Access to free article PDF downloads. Save your search. Customize your interests. Create a personal account or sign in to:. Privacy Policy. Make a comment. At that point, a well-lubricated rectal tube is inserted through the anus.
This tube allows your doctor to slowly administer the barium into the rectum and colon. Your doctor may also choose to use a rectal balloon to help retain the barium. As the barium fills the intestine, X-rays of the abdomen are taken to distinguish significant findings and help detect abnormal growths.
Your doctor will take X-rays from several different angles to see your whole colon. He or she may also ask you to move around on the table or turn over to help spread the barium sulfate through your colon and provide additional views.
The process lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes. If your doctor sees something suspicious during this test, he or she may order a follow-up colorectal cancer screening test, such as a colonoscopy. While a barium enema is considered a safe screening test and is used on a routine basis, it can cause complications in certain people.
Please keep these indications in mind before a barium enema is performed:. Your doctor may order a barium enema if they suspect an abnormality in your lower gastrointestinal GI tract. There are numerous conditions and symptoms that could prompt your doctor to examine your lower GI tract, including:. Your doctor will ask you to cleanse your bowels the night before your test. This may include using laxatives or taking an enema at home.
On the day of the procedure, you can drink clear liquids, such as water, tea, juice, or broth. This is to ensure that your colon is clear of any stool, which could show up in the X-ray images. A barium enema typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes and is performed at a hospital or specialized testing facility. Metal can interfere with the X-ray process. X-rays will be taken to ensure that your bowels are clear.
This may also involve a physical rectal exam. The radiologist will then insert a small tube into your rectum and introduce the barium and water mixture.
The radiologist may gently push air into your colon after the barium has been delivered in order to allow for even more detailed X-ray images. This is called an air-contrast barium enema. The technician will instruct you to hold still and hold your breath while the X-ray images are taken. After the procedure, the majority of the barium and water will be removed through the tube. The results are typically categorized as negative or positive. A negative result means that there were no abnormalities found.
A positive result means that abnormalities were found. As your colon fills with barium, you may feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Abdominal cramping may occur. You may be asked to turn and hold various positions on the exam table. This helps ensure that your entire colon is coated with barium and enables the radiologist to view the colon from various angles.
You also may be asked to hold your breath at times. The radiologist may press firmly on your abdomen and pelvis, manipulating your colon for better viewing on a monitor attached to the X-ray machine.
A number of X-rays will likely be taken of your colon from various angles. After the exam, most of the barium will be removed from your colon through the enema tube. When the tube is removed, you'll be able to use the toilet to expel additional barium and air. Any abdominal cramping usually ends quickly, and you should be able to return to your usual diet and activities right away.
You may have white stools for a few days as your body naturally removes any remaining barium from your colon. Barium may cause constipation, so you may find you can reduce your risk of constipation by drinking extra fluids in the days following your exam.
Your doctor may recommend a laxative, if needed. Check with your doctor if you're unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas more than two days after the exam or if your stool doesn't return to its normal color within a few days. The radiologist prepares a report based on the results of the examination and sends it to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you, as well as subsequent tests or treatments that may be required:.
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