Barium enema: procedure, safety, risks, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is a barium enema?

A barium enema is an X-ray examination of the lower digestive tract. This procedure is performed to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine or colon. Barium enema is also known as X-ray colon .

The barium enema procedure involves pouring barium sulfate solution into the large intestine. Barium can absorb X-rays and appears white on X-rays. The fluid pattern will show what is causing the problem with your colon.

The results of the X-ray examination also determine whether you need to undergo further procedures such as colonoscopy, lopography, etc. In a follow-up examination, any polyps or abnormal tissue that are found will be removed through a biopsy or surgery.

Destination

What is the purpose of this procedure?

Use of barium and X-rays can show a number of conditions in the colon. Doctors usually advise patients to perform a barium enema procedure if they experience signs and symptoms such as:

• stomach ache,
• bleeding in the anus,
• Bloody stools,
• changes in the performance of the colon,
• unexplained weight loss,
• chronic diarrhea, and
• persistent constipation.

This examination can also be used to investigate the signs and symptoms that lead to certain digestive disorders, for example:

• chronic constipation,
• colon tumor,
• colon polyps,
• colon cancer,
• Crohn's disease,
• formation of diverticula (small bags in the large intestine),
• diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticula),
• colon blockage,
• changes in the structure of the large intestine,
• colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), and
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Precautions and Warnings

What should I know before doing a barium enema?

Barium enema x-rays carry a number of risks. Side effects are very rare because the risk is so small, but it does not rule out the following conditions.

• Inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the large intestine.
• Disturbances in the digestive tract.
• A tear forms in the wall of the large intestine.
• Allergic reaction to barium enema.
• The dangers of x-ray radiation to the fetus.

Are there any other alternatives to a barium enema?

Colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the colon with a flexible telescope. An alternative to this procedure is virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) use x-ray assistance to print 2D and 3D images of your colon and anus.

Process

What should I do before undergoing the procedure?

Before undergoing a barium enema test, you will be asked to empty your colon first. This preparation is important because stool residue in the large intestine can obscure the scan results and be considered an abnormality.

To empty your colon, the medical staff will give you the following instructions.

• Follow a special diet the day before the procedure. You will be asked to fast from meals and drink only clear fluids such as mineral water, tea, and broth.
• Fasting after midnight. You will not consume any food or drink from midnight until the procedure is underway.
• Take a laxative the night before the day of the procedure. Laxatives, either liquid or tablet, will help empty your bowels
• Using an enema instrument. This instrument is used to pass fluid or gas into the large intestine.

During the preparation period, you also need to tell your doctor about the medicines you routinely take at least a week in advance. Your doctor may adjust the dose of your medication or stop medication temporarily.

How does a barium enema process?

The examination will be carried out by a specialist doctor together with a radiology technician. The doctor then takes an X-ray to make sure your colon is completely empty.

After that, the doctor or technician will insert a lubricated enema tube into your rectum. This tube is also connected to a barium bag which functions to send barium fluid into the large intestine.

The barium delivery tube has a small balloon at the end. When placed near the entrance to the rectum, it is this balloon that will keep the barium in your body. In certain cases, this tube also serves to transmit air.

When the rectum is filled with barium, you may feel cramping or the urge to have a bowel movement. Try to hold it in by keeping your body relaxed and breathing regularly.

You may also be asked to hold your breath or change positions every now and then. This is done so that the entire large intestine is covered with barium so that it can be observed from various angles. The entire procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes.

What should I do after this procedure?

After the procedure, you will be supervised by a team of doctors until it is judged that you can go home and return to your normal routine. Your doctor will receive your x-rays in the next few days and schedule you to discuss the results.

Most of the barium fluid leaves the intestine through an enema tube. The remaining barium usually comes out through the stool and makes the stool turn white. Barium can also cause constipation, but you can reduce it by drinking lots of water.

Complications

What are the complications of a barium enema?

The barium enema procedure carries the risk of complications including:

• discomfort and cramps,
• bleeding in the colon,
• radiation exposure,
• the formation of a hole in the large intestine,
• clots of remaining barium fluid,
• trapping of air in the large intestine, and
• allergic reaction to barium.

A barium enema is a supporting examination to detect abnormalities in the large intestine. This procedure is performed by inserting liquid barium into the large intestine so that abnormalities can be detected through X-rays.

Make sure you discuss with your doctor before undergoing this procedure. Thorough preparation can optimize the benefits of the examination and reduce the risk of complications.