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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA barium enema is a special X-ray used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). There are two types of barium enema exams:
- Single-column barium enema. A single-column barium enema begins by coating the inner surface of the colon with a solution containing the metallic compound barium. This allows the doctor to see a clear silhouette of the shape and condition of your colon.
- Air-contrast (double-contrast) barium enema. During an air-contrast barium enema, air is inserted into your colon after the barium coating is in place. The air expands the colon and improves the quality of the X-ray images.
A barium enema exam doesn't require sedation. However, preparing for a barium enema — emptying the colon with laxatives or enemas or both — can be unpleasant. If any growths (polyps) are detected during a barium enema, a follow-up colonoscopy may be needed.
- Barium enema examination. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract X-ray (radiography). Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lowergi. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer. American Cancer Society. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Levin B, et al. 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. Gastroenterology. 2008;134:1570.
- Colon x-ray: Defecography (DEF); barium enema; air contrast study (evacuative portography). In: Fischbach FT, ed. Manual of Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004:732.
- Schilling McCann JA, ed. Diagnostic Tests. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007.
