Contents:
Medical Video: Barium Enema
Definition
What is a barium enema?
The barium enema procedure involves pouring barium sulphate fluid, which will be detected during an x-ray, into your large intestine. This liquid will then fill the large intestinal cavity and can show exactly what problems you complain about in your digestive system.
When do I need to undergo a barium enema?
The doctor will recommend you to do a barium enema procedure if he suspects signs and symptoms of a condition, such as:
- abdominal pain
- anal bleeding
- changes in the performance of the large intestine
- weight loss for no reason
- chronic diarrhea
- persistent constipation
Barium enema X-ray will detect the condition:
- abnormal tissue growth (polyps)
- inflammation of the large intestine
Prevention & warning
What should I know before doing a barium enema?
Barium enema x-rays have the opportunity to pose a number of risks. Very rarely, complications from the barium enema test will include:
- inflammation of tissue surrounding the large intestine
- disorders of the digestive tract
- tear in the wall of the large intestine
- allergic reaction to barium enema
- this procedure will generally not be performed during pregnancy because the x-ray radiation will harm the fetus
Are there other alternatives to barium enema?
A colonoscopy is a procedure to check the contents of your large intestine using a flexible telescope. Virtual colonoscopy (also called computerized tomography colonography) uses X-ray help to print 2D and 3D images of your large intestine and anus.
Process
What should I do before a barium enema?
Before undergoing a barium enema test, you will be instructed to empty your large intestine. The residue left in the intestine will obscure the results of the scan or be considered an abnormality.
To empty your large intestine, the medical officer will insult you for:
- follow a special diet on the day before the procedure is done. You will be asked to fast eating and drinking only clear liquids — such as mineral water, tea, coffee without milk and cream, broth, and plain soda drinks
- fasting after midnight. Usually you will be asked not to eat any food or drink from midnight before the procedure day
- taking laxatives the night before the procedure day. Laxatives, liquid or tablets, will help empty your bowels
- use an instrument enema. In some cases, you may need to use an over-the-counter enema instrument - either at night before the D-day or a few hours before the procedure - which provides a cleaning solution to sweep away the remaining residue in the large intestine
Ask your doctor about your medication at least a week before you run the barium test. Also discuss with your doctor about medicines that you regularly consume. He or she may ask you to stop treatment a few days or hours before the test.
How is the barium enema process?
The barium enema procedure lasts about 30 minutes.
The radiologist will insert the hose into your anus and drain the barium sulfate liquid into the large intestine.
Then, it will start x-rays and ask you to change position every time you scan the image. When the scan is enough, your technician will issue the hose.
What should I do after a barium enema?
You will be watched for a while until the doctor's team assesses that you can go home and return to normal routine as soon as possible.
X-rays will be received by your doctor several days after the procedure and you will be scheduled to discuss the results.
Regular exercise will improve the quality of your life. Before starting, ask for advice from your doctor's team about exercise that is suitable for your health condition.
Complications
Complications?
The following complications can occur after you have tested the barium enema:
- discomfort and cramps
- bleeding
- radiation exposure
- there is a hole in your large intestine
- barium or air embolism
- vision blurs
- allergic reaction
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
