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PATIENT GUIDE
X-Ray - Barium Enema
Barium Enema
What is a Barium Enema?

A barium enema is an x-ray exam of the large bowel using a type
of x-ray called fluoroscopy. Thick white liquid called barium and
air will be used to outline your bowel wall.

A barium enema is done to examine polyps, Crohn’s disease,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and pockets in the bowel (diverticula).
You may have to have this procedure because of blood in your
stool, altered bowel habits, weight loss, etc...
How should I Prepare for a Barium Enema?

You will need to have a complete cleansing of your bowel to have
an accurate test. Any leftover stool can hide the bowel wall.

1-2 days before the test you will be put on a liquid diet and given
laxatives in order to clean your bowel.

Please contact the Diagnostic Imaging department for a
preparation sheet. Also the preparation sheet is available at http://
www.swndha.nshealth.ca/pages/beprep.htm. The preparation is a
very important part of the test.

Please tell your doctor if there is any chance you might be
pregnant. Pregnant women should not have this test.
What can I Expect during a Barium Enema?

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

Once in the room the technologist will explain the procedure to
you. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have.

You will be asked to lie on your side and the technologist will put
a tube into your rectum.

Once the tube is put inside, a small balloon will be inflated to help
hold the tube inside your rectum.

The radiologist will let the barium flow into your rectum. Air will
be pumped through the tube into your bowel. You will feel a little
pressure and discomfort.
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
The radiologist (x-ray doctor) will take a series of pictures.

The doctor will ask you to roll from side to side and ask you to
hold your breath while he/she takes the images.

The x-ray camera and table will both move during your procedure
to see all the areas of your bowel. The table will also stand up and
down.

The technologist will take more pictures at the end of the exam.

The tube will then be taken out and you will be brought to the
washroom (directly outside the room) so you can empty the
barium from your bowel.

To flush the white liquid (barium) from your bowel, you must
drink a lot of liquids for the next few days until you are no longer
passing barium in your stool.
How long will my Barium Enema take?

Your barium enema test will take 30 to 60 minutes
Barium Enema test
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The technologists are unable to give test results. Your doctor
will receive a copy of the report within approximately 1 week.
If you have any questions, concerns or if you are unable to keep
your appointment, please do not hesitate to call the booking
office at 742-2571 or toll free 1-877-742-2571.
Diagnostic Imaging Department
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
60 Vancouver Street
Yarmouth, NS
B5A 2P5
Patient Guides available on
http://www.swndha.nshealth.ca/pages/guides.htm
SWH promotes a smoke free and scent free environment.
No scent is good sense
Image used with permission from Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center www.hopkinscoloncancercenter.org
Prepared by – Diagnostic Imaging Department, SWH. Revised May 2014
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