A barium enema is a fluoroscopic examination looking at your large bowel for obstruction or pathology.
Your preparation requirements
You will be required to obtain a bowel preparation kit (available from Sound Radiology, your referring practitioner or local chemist) which you will need to read the instructions and begin two days before your appointment day.
Please notify your doctor and the staff at Sound Radiology if you are pregnant or you think you could be pregnant.
What to expect
Imaging staff will collect you from the waiting room and escort you to the x-ray fluoroscopy room. You will be asked to change into a gown for a barium enema study and may also be asked to remove all jewelry and reading glasses.
The imaging staff will discuss the procedure with you and may take a plain x-ray of your abdomen to ensure the preparation was successful before starting. The radiologist or nurse will insert a small catheter into the rectum which will stay in-place for the length of the examination. Liquid barium and air are passed through the catheter into the large bowel for visualization of anatomical structures. Fluoroscopic images are taken, followed by plain x-ray images. Imaging is performed in different positions, mainly lying down. Once all images are taken the catheter is removed and you are able to go to the toilet, dress and go home.
Having a support person to drive you home after a barium enema is advisable.
Allow up to 1- 2 hours for this examination.
After your procedure
Barium is quite a dense, chalky liquid. It is advised that you drink plenty of fluids for 24 – 48 hours following any barium procedure to prevent constipation. It is not abnormal to experience lighter coloured stools after a barium study, due to the white colour of the liquid.
Please seek the opinion from your referring practitioner if you have any concerns.
If you are having a barium enema, please see our checklist below.
