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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA barium enema is a special X-ray exam 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 element barium. This allows the doctor to see a 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.
References
- Barium enema examination. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. https://www.asrt.org/content/ThePublic/AboutRadiologicProcedures/Barium_Enema_exam.aspx. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- Lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract X-ray (radiography). Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lowergi. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- Colorectal cancer early detection. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/MoreInformation/ColonandRectumCancerEarlyDetection/colorectal-cancer-early-detection-screening-tests-used. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_ACS_Cancer_Detection_Guidelines_36.asp?sitearea=PED. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- Labianca R, et al. Screening and diagnosis for colorectal cancer: Present and future. Tumori. 2010;96:889.
- Picco, MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. April 13, 2011.
- Fletcher RH. Tests for screening for colorectal cancer: Stool tests, radiologic imaging and endoscopy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 12, 2011.
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