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Barium Enema is a diagnostic test which is performed in the X-Ray Department.
It is an x-ray that takes pictures of the large bowel.
It is very important the bowel be clear of fecal matter.
A single contrast or an air contrast colon examination may be done. The procedures are similar except different x-rays need to be taken with the patient in different positions after the radiologist leaves the room.
Day Prior to Examination:
- Breakfast and Lunch:
Low residue diet. You may have white toast or bread and butter, boiled, poached or scrambled eggs, clear tea or coffee, clear fruit juice, fish, lean meat, boiled or mashed potatoes, clear soups, canned or well cooked string beans, beets, carrots, peas, spinach.
- 2 P.M. and 4 P.M.: Drink one full glass
of water.
- 5 P.M.: Clear fluid supper. Clear soup, fruit juice (no
milk or milk products), jello, clear coffee/tea or carbonated soft drinks.
NO MILK OR MILK PRODUCTS.
- 7 P.M.: Give chilled Citro-mag as follows:
30-60lbs. ½ bottle
60-100lbs. ¾ bottle
over 100lbs. Full bottle
- 8 P.M.: Drink one full glass of water.
On the Morning of the Examination:
- Breakfast:
Clear fluids only. Insert a Dulcolax suppository into rectum at 7:00 A.M.
- Do not wear jewelry to your appointment.
- Children may not be left unattended in the Waiting Room.
- In the X-Ray Department you will be asked to lie on a special table.
- A tube attached to a bag of Barium Sulphate mixture is inserted into the rectum while x-rays are being taken. This tube is held in place with the end of an inflation cuff. You may feel the urge to move your bowels.
- Let the technologist/radiologist know if there is extreme pain or too much difficulty in holding the barium.
- When the x-ray is finished you will be asked to expel the barium.
- The examination will last for approximately 1 hour.
- You can eat and drink plenty of fluids
- You may feel tired, thirsty and hungry
- A laxative may be ordered by your physician
- Your stools will be light coloured until all the barium has been expelled.
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