A barium enema is a procedure that uses an X-ray to examine the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can help identify colorectal cancers and other conditions. Experts may also call barium enemas “lower GI series.”
Barium is a white liquid compound that absorbs X-rays. A radiologist passes it into a person’s bowel to highlight the lower GI tract on an X-ray. This helps doctors identify signs of cancer and other medical conditions.
Read on to learn more about the purpose of barium enemas and what the X-ray test involves. This article also looks at what happens before and after a barium enema, what test results mean, and more.
Barium enemas outline a person’s colon and rectum on an X-ray image. Healthcare professionals use these images to find problems or abnormalities.
They may help professionals find the cause of:
- rectal bleeding
- blood in stool
- frequent bowel changes
Barium enemas can also help examine:
- bowel blockages
- inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- polyps, growths on the lining of a person’s colon or rectum that may develop into cancer
- cancerous growths
- diverticular disease, small pouches that have pushed through weak spots on a person’s colon wall
Barium enemas can help find signs of colorectal cancer early, which is essential for ensuring treatment is as effective as possible.
It
There are
- Single-contrast barium enema (SCBE): SCBE only uses barium.
- Double-contrast barium enema (DCBE): DCBE uses both barium and air for a clearer image. Doctors also call DCBE an air-contrast lower GI series.
Healthcare professionals may use a DCBE if someone cannot have a colonoscopy. However, doctors rarely use DCBE as part of colorectal cancer screening.
An X-ray technician or radiologist performs barium enemas in a healthcare facility. The test typically lasts around 40 minutes.
During the barium enema, the individual lies on a table. The medical professional then inserts a flexible tube into the anus. They use this to fill the person’s large intestine with barium. For a DCBE, they also inject air through the tube.
During a barium enema, a person:
- may have some discomfort and feel the urge to have a bowel movement
- may need to change position several times, to evenly coat their large intestine with barium
- will need to hold still in various positions and hold their breath as the medical professional takes the X-rays
After the procedure, the medical professional will drain most of the barium through the tube. The individual will then push out the remaining barium into a bedpan or toilet.
Healthcare professionals will give a person instructions on how to prepare for a barium enema. They also discuss the person’s:
- medication, including:
- over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications
- vitamins
- supplements
- allergies
- recent illnesses
People should tell the healthcare professional if they have had a colonoscopy with a biopsy or polyp removal in the
People may need to consume only clear liquids for 1 to 3 days before a barium enema.
On the day before, they should carry out a bowel prep. A bowel prep leaves little to no stool in a person’s intestine. This allows for clear X-ray images. It involves:
- not eating the day before or only drinking clear liquids
- after midnight before the procedure, not eating or drinking anything
- taking laxatives or OTC enema preparations
A bowel prep may cause diarrhea. People should always follow professional bowel prep instructions they receive from a medical professional. They should also contact a professional if side effects stop them from finishing the bowel prep.
Healthcare professionals will give a person instructions on what to do after a barium enema. These will include flushing out the remaining barium from their system and drinking plenty of water to relieve any constipation.
After a barium enema, people should seek medical attention immediately if they have:
- blood in the stool
- abdominal pain
- no bowel movements for more than 2 days
- an inability to pass gas
- feelings of weakness
- dizziness
- a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or more, or as instructed by a healthcare professional
A person may have abdominal bloating and cramping for around
A person’s stool may be white or light colored for 1 to 2 days afterward. This is due to some barium remaining in the large intestine.
Healthcare professionals will usually discuss test results during a follow-up appointment or phone call.
If the test results are “abnormal,” a person will usually require further tests to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor can advise on what tests or treatments they recommend at this stage.
A barium enema is
- constipation
- diarrhea
- having an allergic reaction to the barium
The medical professional performing the X-ray can advise on the possible side effects and risks of the test and what to do if they develop.
How long do you poop after a barium enema?
Actually, a person may experience constipation after a barium enema. For some people, it may cause an upset stomach. A person should contact a doctor if they experience any persistent changes in bowel habits after the test.
Are you asleep during a barium enema?
A person does not usually receive anesthesia for a barium enema. However, they might receive an injection to relax the rectum.
Why a barium enema instead of a colonoscopy?
A doctor may order a barium enema to help diagnose IBD, functional issues, large masses, or fistulas not visible during a colonoscopy.
Barium enemas make a person’s lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract more visible on X-rays. This helps healthcare professionals detect and diagnose various conditions, including cancer.
Healthcare professionals provide instructions on how to prepare for barium enemas and what to do afterward. The test typically takes up to an hour in a healthcare facility. A barium enema is generally a safe procedure, with minimal side effects.