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Video

Video: Barium enema

By Mayo Clinic staff

Transcript

Polyps can occur anywhere along your colon, as illustrated by the two that are circled in this picture. In preparation for your colon X-ray, a barium solution is used to coat your inner colon. This allows the radiologist to see a clear silhouette of the shape and condition of your entire colon. The radiologist may press firmly on your abdomen and pelvis, thus manipulating the colon for better viewing. He or she can view your colon's shape and motion on a television monitor attached to the X-ray machine and will also take X-rays from various angles.

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References
  1. Screening and surveillance for the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps, 2008: A joint guideline from the American Cancer Society, the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology. Rockville, Md.: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=14346. Accessed June 3, 2011.
MM00366 June 24, 2011

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