Overview
A barium enema is an X-ray exam of the large intestine (colon).
Preparation for Your Exam
Two days before the exam, do not eat any fruit, nuts, peas, beans, coarse cereals or fried foods. On the day before the test, your diet should be only clear liquids such as clear broth, jello, apple or cranberry juice, ginger ale, cola, tea or coffee. Do not use cream or milk. Drink as much water as possible throughout the day.
You can pick up a Fleet Prep Kit#1 at any of our imaging centers or ask your physician if the kit is available at his/her office. You can purchase a Fleet Prep Kit#1 (not to be confused with a Fleet enema) at your local pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the package for the 24-hour prep in addition to the above diet.
On the morning of the test, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your test.
Special note:
If you have severe kidney disease, do not use the Fleet Prep Kit #1. Consult your physician.
Can I take my usual medication?
Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor before taking any medication on the morning of your exam.
During The Exam
A radiologist and a technologist will administer the barium enema. The barium mixture fills the large intestine so that it can be seen on X-ray. The radiologist will watch the images of your intestine on a special X-ray television screen. At times, the radiologist will ask you to change your position or hold your breath so that "snapshots" or spot films may be taken.
After these "snapshots" are taken, the technologist will take several larger films of your abdomen.
Will it hurt?
It will be mildly to moderately uncomfortable. Sometimes there will be cramping. The radiologist may give you an injection to relax the intestine.
How Long Will It Take?
The enema will take about 15 minutes. However, you should allow extra time for preparation and for X-rays of the colon to be taken by the technologist -- about one hour in total.
After the exam
You may eat as soon as the exam is over. You should drink plenty of liquids to avoid constipation from the barium. If instructed by the radiologist, you should take four tablespoons of a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia.
|
