Barium Enema
The barium enema is an x-ray exam with the goal of examining the rectum and colon (large intestine).
Available at the
Maisonneuve clinic
About the Exam
The barium enema involves the injection of a contrast medium containing barium, which is impervious to x-rays, into the rectum and colon using a small tube inserted through the anus. Afterwards, images of the abdomen are taken.
This exam, which takes approximately 30 minutes, enables abnormalities such as tumors, polyps, diverticula and inflammation to be detected.
Preparation
Click on the PDF link to read about the preparation in detail.
Contraindication:
Do not undergo this exam if you are pregnant. If you have had a colonoscopy, or if you are in treatment for diverticulitis, you must wait a month before proceeding with the exam.
Exam Process
You will be met by our team who will get you positioned on the exam table lying down on your left side. This position favours the rectal insertion of the tube, which is attached to a bag containing the contrast medium.
The technologist will inflate a small balloon inside your rectum that will allow the tube to stay in place throughout the exam.
Afterwards, the barium will be drained through the tube inside the colon. In a double-contrast exam, we also inject air.
The technologist (or radiologist) will ask you to position yourself in a variety of ways, lying down or upright, in order to take a series of x-ray images.
What You May Experience
Contrary to popular belief, even if it is uncomfortable, the barium enema is not painful. As this exam is, in part, performed upright, please inform the staff if you feel weak or dizzy.
After the Exam
It is important that you drink lots of water during the next days to help expel the barium. Stool may be whitish in colour for 48 to 72 hours after the exam.
Complications associated with this exam are very rare, as it is not very invasive.
The results of your exam will be sent to your referring physician, who will take care of any necessary follow-up.
Other Services Offered
General Radiology
(Without an appointment)
X-ray medical imaging technique
Ultrasonography
Ultrasound-based medical imaging technique
Injection Therapy
Injection of an anti-inflammatory or lubricating product
Barium Swallow
Study of the upper digestive tract
Mammography
Study of mammary glands using x-rays
Osteodensitometry
Measurement of bone density
Barium Enema
X-ray exam of the large intestine
Small Bowel Follow-Through
Study of the lining of the small intestine
Cardiac ultrasound
Medical imaging test that uses ultrasound to study the anatomy and function of the heart and its structures
Contact us
Do you still have unanswered questions? Contact us. Our team will be happy to answer.