Barium Enema

Air Contrast Study, Lower Gastrointestinal Series

What To Think About

• A barium enema is less expensive and has fewer risks than colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. It does not require sedation. However, small colon polyps are more likely to be missed during a barium enema. For more information, see the medical tests Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy.
• Polyps cannot be removed during a barium enema. Further evaluation with a colonoscopy is generally recommended if abnormal results are found during a barium enema.
• If your health professional suspects you have an abdominal mass, other tests may be needed before or after a barium enema. These include abdominal X-rays, ultrasound studies, and computed tomography (CT) scans.
• A flexible sigmoidoscopy provides a more direct view of the rectum and sigmoid colon, where more than half of colon polyps are usually found. For more information, see the medical test Sigmoidoscopy.
• If an upper gastrointestinal series is planned, it should be performed after the barium enema. The barium swallowed during an upper GI series may take several days to pass through the intestine and thus can interfere with the results of a barium enema.
• A barium enema should not be done if you have a rapid, irregular heartbeat (tachycardia), severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon, acute diverticulitis, or if a perforation of the intestine is suspected. If a contrast enema is necessary but there is an increased risk of an intestinal perforation, a water-soluble contrast material (Gastrografin) may be used instead of barium. Gastrografin decreases the risk for problems that could result if the bowel is perforated.
• Because a developing baby (fetus) is very sensitive to radiation, such as from X-rays, this test is not done during pregnancy.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: July 20, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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