Radiological images are created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the body which capture still images of the body’s internal structures.  A similar imaging method, fluoroscopy, uses x-rays to capture a moving image of an organ while it is functioning.  Fluoroscopy is often the most effective way of viewing the body’s gastro-intestinal tract.  A barium enema views the lower gastro-intestinal tract, (colon and bowel) while a barium meal visualises the upper part of the gastro-intestinal tract (oesophagus and stomach).

A barium enema may be used to look for ulcers, benign tumours, cancer, or signs of other intestinal illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease.  It may be performed on people suffering from chronic diarrhoea, blood in stools, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or any unexplained change in bowel habit.

Preparation for a Barium Enema examination

You will be given clear detailed instructions when booking in for a barium enema examination.  During the day before the procedure you will be asked to eat only low fibre foods, and to ensure a high fluid intake.  You will be required to take pill and liquid laxative medication and prior to the examination to use a suppository preparation.  Written instructions and all required medications will be supplied to you at the time of booking your appointment.

Once you arrive for your examination you will be asked to change into a gown and may be asked to remove jewellery or any objects that could obscure the images.

The Barium Enema equipment

A moveable apparatus extends over a portion of a large flat table and sends real-time images to a television monitor.  The table can move and tilt and contains a drawer with a plate that captures the image and sends it to the monitor for viewing.  Multiple static images are obtained for later review.

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Barium Enema examination, appearances within normal limits.

The Barium Enema Procedure

The tissues of the lower gastro-intestinal tract are similar in density, so a contrast material is needed to provide detail of the inside of the colon.  Liquid barium, a dense metallic solution is introduced into the colon through a rectal tube.  The barium coats the inside of the rectum, colon and a part of the lower small intestine and produces a sharp, well-defined image.

The patient is positioned on the table.  The radiologist will then introduce the contrast material through a small tube inserted into the rectum.

The patient may be repositioned frequently to enable the radiologist to capture views of their colon from several angles.  Once the x-rays images are completed, most of the barium is drawn back into a bag, and the patient is directed to the toilet to expel the remaining barium and air.   A typical study will take around 30 minutes.

What does the Procedure feel like?

As the barium fills your colon, you will feel the need to move your bowel.  You may feel abdominal pressure or minor cramping.  These are common sensations, and most people tolerate the mild discomfort easily.  The tip of the enema tube is designed to help you hold in the barium.  If at any time you are having trouble, let the technologist know.

During the process you may be asked to turn from side to side, and to hold different positions.  At times pressure may be applied to your abdomen.

You are able to return to a normal diet and activities immediately following the examination.  You will be encouraged to drink additional water to help dispel the remaining barium from your system.

The benefits of Barium Enema

With the use of the barium contrast material, the examination provides valuable detailed information to assist in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions.  The information gained from a barium enema examination can often mean that more invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy can be avoided.