Barium enema

Duration of examination

An enema examination will take approximately 45 – 60 minutes.

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is a barium enema?

A barium enema examination demonstrates the large bowel (colon). A combination of barium and air is used to temporarily coat the walls of the large bowel making it visible under x‑ray. The examination is used to detect diseases such as polyps, diverticulosis and tumours.

What preparation is required?

You will need to obtain a preparation kit from one of our branches or from your doctor. This will give you instructions about a special diet you must follow closely for two days prior to your examination. The preparation should cause you to make several visits to the toilet. It is important that your bowel is cleansed as completely as possible. Residual faecal material remaining in the bowel can give misleading results, which may lead to the examination being repeated.

What will happen during the examination?

You will be asked to change into a gown and lie on an x‑ray table. The radiologist (specialist medical imaging doctor) uses fluoroscopy (a special x‑ray) to visualise your bowel on a television monitor. This equipment is specialised and is not available at all our branches. You may be given an injection in your arm to relax your bowel. Occasionally this can result in slightly blurred vision or a dry mouth, which will only last for a few minutes.

A small, lubricated tube will be placed gently into your rectum. Barium fluid is then introduced slowly. You will be asked to lie in different positions to allow the barium to pass along the full length of your bowel. The barium is then drained, and air is gently pumped into your bowel so that your bowel is distended giving better images. This will cause you to feel bloating and fullness in your bowel. We ask you to resist the urge to release air, as this will reduce the distension of your bowel. If you experience any discomfort, please inform the radiologist.

You will be asked to lie and possibly stand in different positions and momentarily hold your breath when the imaging is performed. Parents may accompany children.

Once the imaging is complete you will be allowed to use the toilet and pass the barium and air. The barium will be passed as white stools. You should be comfortable after visiting the toilet; however, you may feel some cramping due to the insertion of air. Please keep in mind that you will continue to pass some of the barium and air for a short time after the examination.

Are there any risks?

You will receive a small dose of x‑ray radiation. The benefits of detecting disease are believed to outweigh any potential risks from receiving such a small dose. However, please advise the radiographer if you are, or think you may be pregnant.

After the examination

It is important to drink a lot of fluid for the 24 – 48 hours following your procedure and to resume your normal diet so that you do not experience constipation. If you experience constipation-type symptoms we advise you to take a mild laxative.

The images will be reviewed and reported by our radiologist. These will then be sent to your referring clinician. For details on reporting timeframes, please speak with our reception staff. It is important that you follow up the results of your examination with your referring clinician.

It is important you understand why and how we will be assisting you. If you have any questions, please call one of our clinics or speak to our staff on the day of your visit.