BARIUM ENEMA INFORMATION SHEET

You are scheduled for a barium enema on _______________________at _____________in the Fluoroscopy Section of the Radiographic Procedures Product Line of the Radiology Service Line on the 1st floor of Building 2, Chareete Health Care Center.  Check in at the Radiology Main Reception Desk and you will be directed to the Fluoroscopy area of the Radiology Service Line (North Corridor).

What is a barium enema?

A barium enema is an X-ray examination of the large bowel (colon).

What to expect at the time of your examination

The technologist will ask you to briefly explain the problem you have been having. You will then be instructed to change into a gown and remove everything except your undergarment. A preliminary radiograph of the abdomen will be obtained to ensure that your stomach and small bowel is empty. You will then be escorted into one of the examination rooms at which point a technologist will insert a plastic enema tip into the rectum using a lubricant to minimize discomfort. Once the plastic enema tip is in place, the examiner will proceed to fill the colon with barium sulfate, and this process will be monitored using the fluoroscopic X-ray unit. Once the barium has filled the colon, air may also be used in conjunction with the barium to obtain optimal diagnostic images using the fluoroscopic X-ray unit. After images are obtained through fluoroscopy, the technologist will proceed and obtain various images using conventional X-rays. Discomfort and the feeling like you need to have a bowel movement is common, but it is very important to obtain these images while the colon is full of barium sulfate. Once all the images have been satisfactorily obtained, the technologist will remove the plastic enema tip and you will be directed to a restroom nearby where you may then dress.

How to prepare for your examination

Always inform your doctor and technician if you think you may be pregnant. This examination requires that your large bowel be completely empty; therefore you should have received a prep kit for this examination. Please follow closely the instructions on the prep kit and use the 48-hour regimen. Medicines to relax the stomach, such as, Probanthine, Donnatal, Bentyl, or Lomotil, SHOULD NOT be taken for 24 hours prior to the examination. Antacids or acid-lowering medications, such as, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Tums, or Maalox, SHOULD NOT be taken for 24 hours prior to the examination.

Please bring any previous barium enema films that were not taken at this institution with you the day of your exam.

After the examination

Once you have finished with your examination, you may resume normal activity; you need to follow-up with your doctor a few days after the examination. You may take medication, and you may eat and drink normally. We do ask that you drink plenty of fluids (water, juices) for the next 2 days to prevent barium impaction in the colon. You may also notice that your stool is white for the next day or so This is normal.

Cancellation

Should you have any questions or if you cannot keep this appointment, please call and cancel 24 hours in advance at (757)953-1160.