Lower GI

The process of viewing the lower GI tract is called a Barium Enema.

This exam is an enema, and targets the colon and large intestine. During this exam, a radiologist will be present to view the images while they are being taken.

Your physician must order and schedule this procedure with the Diagnostic Imaging Department.

A special preparation is required prior to this procedure.

You will be asked to undress and wear a hospital gown during the procedure.

The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. The test is generally not painful, but may make you feel uncomfortable. You will have a feeling of fullness, it is important that you try to hold all the barium in until the technologist completes all the x-rays.

A technologist will assist you in getting ready for the procedure. You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table on your left side. The technologist will insert an enema tip into the rectum.

Barium is the type of contrast used for this procedure. It flows just like water, and shows up on the x-ray like a dye. Barium is inert and is not absorbed by the body, and therefore creates no side effects.

A radiologist will slowly fill your bowel with barium while monitoring the fluoroscopic screen, and then take some x-rays. Once the bowel is full, the technologist will then take several x-rays with an overhead camera. Once the technologist assures that the films have turned out, the barium will be allowed to drain back out through the enema tip. The tip will then be removed, and you will be allowed to use the bathroom.

The technologist will then need to obtain several more films to see how much of the barium is left in the colon – in order to evaluate how well the bowel emptied.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids after your examination to help flush the barium through the colon to help prevent constipation.

Your physician will get your report on the same day of your examination.

Results must be given to the patient by their physician.