Barium Enema

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Before You Go

• Diet: The day before the test, you should drink liquids only; the day of the test, don't eat anything.
• Medicine: The day before and the day of the test, you may need to take laxatives. Be sure to take them exactly as ordered by your doctor.

What to Expect While You're There

• Before the x-ray is taken, an x-ray technician will gently put a tube into your rectum. Barium (a white chalky liquid) will flow into the large bowel through this tube. The tube may cause a feeling of pressure or discomfort, or make you feel like you need to have a bowel movement.
• A technician will be taking the x-rays. You will be placed in many positions during the test (lying on your back, side, and stomach). This part of the session takes about 45 minutes.
• After the x-ray, you'll be asked to go to the bathroom to pass the barium that is left in your bowel. The technician will then take another x-ray to check for any remaining barium.

After You Leave

• It is important that all the barium be cleared from your bowel. To do this:
  • Drink 2 or 3 glasses of water after the test.
  • Take either a mild laxative or use a cleansing enema after the test, as recommended by your doctor.
• The barium will turn your stool a lighter color. After the barium is cleared from your body, your stools will return to normal.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen or stomach.
• You have pencil-thin stools.
• Your stools are not normal within a few days.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have severe abdominal pain, nonstop throwing up, or bloody vomit or stools.