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Barium Enema Exam
A barium enema is an x-ray exam of the large intestine (colon). Why Is A Barium Enema Performed? A barium enema can provide information about the large intestine or colon that will help diagnose certain diseases or conditions in patients that are experiencing changes in their bowel habits, pain, or bleeding. A barium enema can also be a valuable screening tool for patients with a family history of colon cancer. What Can I Expect During A Barium Enema Examination? A radiologist and a technologist will administer the barium rectally through a small catheter. Additionally, the Radiologist may use the catheter to inflate the intestine with air. The barium mixture will fill the large intestine so that it can be seen on X-ray. The radiologist will watch the images of your intestine on a special X-ray monitor. At times, the radiologist will ask you to change your position or hold your breath so that different views may be taken. After this, the technologist will take several larger films of your abdomen. The examination may be mildly to moderately uncomfortable. Some patients experience cramping and bloating. How Long Will My Barium Enema Examination Take? The enema will take about fifteen minutes. However, you should allow extra time for preparation and for X-rays of the colon to be taken by the technologist – about one hour in total. Is The Barium Enema Examination Safe? Within the medical community there is general agreement that the benefits of performing the tests far outweigh the small amount of radiation associated with these studies. Scientific advances allow for better images with lower doses of radiation. We continually upgrade our equipment to provide the latest technology and adhere to a strict monitoring and quality assurance program for all equipment. Prior to any exam, please inform the staff if you are, or think you may be, pregnant. Do I Need A Referral (Prescription) To Have My Barium Enema Examination? Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to receive a examination. In addition, some insurance carriers or HMO’s require a precertification. Please discuss this with your doctor and your insurance company or HMO prior to your test. When Will I Know The Results Of My Examination? A Radiologist will review your study before you leave the Center to determine if the information is complete. Preliminary results will be sent promptly to your physician and a detailed written report of the procedure, findings, and results will follow within several days. Your physician will then call you to discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned immediately to your doctor. When Can I Eat And Drink After The Examination? You may eat as soon as the exam is over. You should drink plenty of liquids to avoid constipation from the barium. What Should I Do to Prepare for a Barium Enema Exam? Please call our office at (203) 838-4886 to arrange to pick up a bowel cleansing kit and a schedule with additional instructions. We encourage you to use the kit that we provide, but if you are not able to pick up this kit at our office, you can purchase a Fleet Prep Kit # 1 (not to be confused with a fleet enema) at your pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the package for the 24-hour prep and eat lightly for 24 hours prior to the examination. This would mean clear liquids such as juices or soups, plain gelatin, and no solids. On the morning of the test, you may drink water. Do not eat any solid foods. Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor before taking any medication on the morning of your exam.
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148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 • Phone: (203) 838-4886