A barium enema is a fluoroscopic exam that helps physicians evaluate and diagnose problems within the large bowel or colon. The patient is often quite nervous before the exam, but if the procedure is done properly, barium enemas should not be something to stress about.
Barium enemas are used to help diagnose and find cancers of the colon, various inflammatory conditions such as diverticulitis, and for discovering polyps. A colonoscopy is an alternative for a barium enema and is considered to be a more accurate test. However, a colonoscopy is more expensive than a barium enema.
Patient preparation is very important for this exam. The day before the exam you will be asked not to eat, and to only drink clear liquids like juice, tea, black coffee, cola, or broth and to avoid dairy products. After midnight you should take
After the procedure the patient may go home. It is common for the patient to pass white barium for a few days after the procedure. The patient should drink lots of fluids to help get rid of the barium. A mild laxative may also be taken to help clear the barium. Rarely a patient may see some blood in the stool, which is caused by the inflated balloon. If the patient has any other complications they should call their physician.
Before the procedure begins, the radiologists or technologists will discuss details of the examination and can review rare contradictions. The patient is asked to remove all clothing and to put on a gown. The technologist then positions the patient on the x-ray table for a preliminary or scout film. This film is to ensure that the patient is cleaned out enough for the barium enema procedure.
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