Barium Enema

How the Test is Performed

A Barium Enema is an X-Ray of the lower colon, using Barium, a non-toxic substance, as a contrast medium. A thin tube is inserted into the patient’s rectum and Barium, a white liquid which shows up on the X-Ray, is instilled. The lining of the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon is outlined on the X-Ray, and any irregularities in the normal smooth outline are revealed.

Medical Conditions and Symptoms

A Barium Enema may be requested by your doctor to exclude an abnormality of the rectum or lower colon, such as a polyp or tumour. Rectal tumours may be detected on a simple rectal examination (with a gloved finger) but sometimes a Barium enema is needed to examine higher up the rectum. Tumours of the bowel may cause unexplained weight loss, a change in bowel habit such as new onset of diarrhoea or constipation, a feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowels, known as tenesmus, or rectal bleeding, whether visible or microscopic (see Faecal Occult Blood test).

Test Results Explained

The images (X-Rays) from a Barium Enema test are carefully looked at by a Radiologist, who will then issue a written report to the doctor who ordered the test. Ocassionally, further tests may be recommended.

Related Specialists

• Gastroenterologist
• General Surgeon
• Colorectal Surgeon
• General Physician
• Oncologist
• Palliative Care Physician
• Radiologist

Related Procedures

Related Tests

• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Faecal Occult Blood (FOB)
• Abdominal X-Ray (AXR)
• Abdominal CT
• Pelvic CT
• Full Blood Count
• Iron Studies
• Liver Function Tests

Also Known As

• Lower GI contrast study
• Colon X-Ray

Links

• RadiologyInfo – Lower GI Tract X-Ray
• Patient.co.uk – Barium Enema

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.