The large intestine is made up of soft tissues which are not visible in X-ray examination. For this a Barium enema is used. This is a procedure in which a white liquid in the form of Barium is infused through a tube to fill up the rectum & the colon. Barium is in fact, barium sulfate, which when seen on X-ray, appears white and helps in outlining the bowels & intestine for a clear image of the X-ray. This barium liquid sticks to the lining of the colon due to which the loops of the bowel are seen more clearly in the X-ray. Barium Enema is also called as lower gastrointestinal series, Barium Enema X-ray or double-contrast barium enema. The barium enema is used to show abnormalities in the colon and rectum. These abnormalities may include colonic abscesses, polyps, Hirschsprung disease in infants or cancers, abnormal colon movement or its dilation. The process takes about 1 – 1 ½ hrs and the only side-effect is that of slight dis-comfortness due to a gassy feeling. This testing should be done every 5 to 10 years for persons with a higher risk of colorectal cancer or persons having family history of certain types of polyps. A doctor may suggest this test for other reasons too such as bleeding from bowel or irregularity in bowel motions.
Preparing for the procedure – There are certain procedures to be followed before the test is conducted. The foremost is that the bowel should be empty. Certain laxatives are prescribed to be used before the examination. Also the diet to be followed is to be strictly adhered too. Pregnancy should be notified to the radiologist before the start of the procedure.
The Actual procedure – The first step is to put on a hospital gown. One has to lie on the X-ray table while a tube is inserted in the rectum. At times it may be discomforting and if painful, should be brought to the notice of the X-ray technician. Then slowly Barium liquid is infused into the tube and it passes into the bowels. One can feel the pressure of the bowels as the Barium flows in. The X-ray technician then takes various X-ray pictures of the bowel from various angles as the person is told to shift to different positions on the table. This is to facilitate the clarity of the X-ray. After a series of X-rays, the barium is to be passed off in the bathroom and then again air is injected in the bowels through the tube. The next series of X-rays start as the air & the remaining barium particles enhances the images of the intestinal lining to get a clear image. This is the complete procedure of a Barium Enema. It takes about 45 to 90 minutes to complete the whole procedure.
Risks in the Procedure – There are some risks in the procedure of Barium Enema. The intestines may get blocked due to the barium which has not passed out. For this the doctor’s directions should be taken. One may feel a little discomfortable and at times may have cramps. This can be minimized by walking around a bit. There could be a mild case of constipation after the process for a few days and if so fiber-rich foods & liquids should be taken for the next few days. Then, there is always a risk of radiation during X-rays, but these are kept to a minimum nowadays with sophisticated techniques used. Lastly a pregnant woman should inform the X-ray technicians of her pregnancy as a radiations may affect the fetus.
Follow-up procedure – After the X-ray procedure is complete, the radiologist gives the results to the concerned doctor who then examines the X-rays and comes to the conclusion of the disorder. The concerned person is advised to drink water & some laxatives are prescribed for passing out the remaining barium from inside the bowels for a few days. If it is found that there is blood in the stools or pain in the abdomen and rectal area, causing vomiting or nausea, one can take the advice of the doctor.
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