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Barium Enema(Barium X-ray; Lower GI Series)DefinitionBarium is a milky fluid that absorbs x-rays. Barium will be placed into your bowels through your rectum. This is called an enema. Barium coats the lining of your lower intestines, which makes that area easier to see on an x-ray. Barium Enema  © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Reasons for TestYou may have a barium enema to look for problems in your lower intestines. Some things your doctor may be looking for include:
What to ExpectPrior to TestIf you are allergic to latex or barium, tell your doctor. Since your intestines must be empty before this test, your doctor may ask you to:
Description of TestThe doctor will gently insert a well-lubricated enema tube into your rectum. In some cases, you may be given an injection to relax the rectum. Barium will be inserted through the tube. A small balloon at the end of the tube will be inflated. This is to keep the barium inside. The doctor will reposition you several times to ensure that the barium coats the walls of the colon and rectum. A small amount of air will be inserted through the tube. The doctor will take a series of x-rays. After this, the enema tube will be removed. After TestAfter the test, you:
After your test, follow your doctor's instructions. How Long Will It Take?About 1-2 hours Will It Hurt?You may feel discomfort when the enema tube is inserted. During the test, you may have bloating and severe cramping. You may also feel as if you need to move your bowels. RESOURCES: American Society of Radiologic Technologists RadiologyInfo CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Association of Radiologists Radiology Consultants Associated References: Barium enema. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus website. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/bariumenema/rd069103.pdf. Updated May 2, 2008. Accessed July 15, 2009. Beers MH. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 2nd ed. London, England: Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2003. Department of Radiology at University of Iowa website. Available at http://www.radiology.uiowa.edu/. Accessed July 15, 2009. Lower GI series. National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lowergi/. Published November 2004. Accessed July 15, 2009. Last reviewed October 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD and Brian P. Randall, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2009 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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