THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
BARIUM ENEMA

WHAT IS IT?
A Barium Enema, sometimes called B.E., Lower GI, or Colon x-ray, is an x-ray of your large intestine (colon). To be able to see the colon on an x-ray it must be filled with barium. Barium is a liquid that outlines the colon and appears white on a x-ray picture.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
You will be escorted to an x-ray room. The technologist will assist you to lie on the x-ray table. After an initial x-ray picture, the technologist will insert a lubricated tube into your rectum. The tube is connected to a bag of barium. Liquid barium will flow from a bag through the tube and into your rectum. The radiologist (physician) will instruct the technologist to start the flow of barium. Sometimes small amount of air will be added to the barium as it flows into your rectum. The air helps to distribute the barium in your colon. After the colon is filled, the technologist will ask you to change positions while lying on the table so that x-rays can be taken from different angles. After the x-rays are completed, the technologist will assist you to the bathroom or to use a bedpan so you can empty your bowels. The technologist will then take another x-ray with your bowels empty.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
The actual barium enema test usually takes about 15 - 20 minutes but you will be in the x-ray room for about 45 minutes so that preparations for the test and follow-up x-rays after the test can be completed.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
As the barium begins to fill your colon, you may feel some cramping or feel as though you need to empty your bowels.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
The barium enema x-ray shows the contour (shape) of your large intestine. It can identify changes in the wall of the large intestine caused by polyps, inflammation, or tumors.

HOW DO I GET READY?
To get the best x-ray pictures, your large intestine needs to be empty of stool. You will be instructed to follow a prep the day before your exam that will help you empty your bowels before the exam.

Reviewed: May 2005