Fluoroscopy - Barium Enema

The barium enema is a series of pictures of your large instestines, also called your colon. A radiologist uses fluoroscopy to watch  as your colon is filled with barium through a tube placed into the rectum.  It is a very safe way of looking for narrowing, blockages, polyps, or diverticula in your rectum and colon. 

What is Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a special type of x-ray that allows the radiologist to examine different parts of your body, such as organs and tissues, in real time to determine how these systems look and function. Fluoroscopic images are viewed on a monitor similar to a TV screen. Most fluoroscopic exmas require the use of contrast dye. This contrast may be injected or administered orally.

Patient Preparation

Before the test, you will be given special instructions and a medication called Colyte to clean out your colon. This should make you have several bowel movements the day and night before your exam. You will need to pick up Colyte from a pharmacy or drugstore using your referral from your doctor. Two days prior to exam, you will only be allowed clear liquids after 12 noon (no red jello or liquid with sediment).  One day prior to exam, begin drinking the Colyte according to the manufacturer's directions. The morning of the exam, have nothing to eat or drink.  If you have any special dietary restrictions, check with your physcian. 

Exam Information

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials to review. To expedite check-in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • You will be asked to change into a gown before your examination.  You may also need to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that could obscure the images.
  • A technologist will position you on the fluoroscopy table and a scout image will be taken to determine if the colon is empty. The technologist will insert a small tube into the rectum and a small balloon will be inflated to hold the tube in place.  The radiologist will control the flow of barium into your colon and you will be asked to roll on the table to ensure the colon is coated with barium. Sometimes air is added to the barium to help distend the walls of the colon for increased viewing.  You will also be asked to move into different positions and hold your breath while the technologist takes several images of the colon.
  • As the barium begins to fill your colon, you will experience pressure and the urge to have a bowel movement.  This feeling will usually subside. You may feel cramping and the sense of urgency during the procedure.  Taking slow, deep breaths will help lessen this feeling.  Let the technologist know if you hare having difficulty.
  • Once the exam is complete, excess barium will be drained back into the tubing.  The patient will then be escorted to the restroom to expel the remaining barium.
  • This exam takes approximatley 30-60 minutes to complete.
  • After the exam, you can return to a normal diet.  Your bowel movements may appear white for a few days.  It is recommended that you drink additional water to help the barium clear the colon.

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Results

Results will be dictated by the Radiologist who performed your exam and a formal written report will be sent to your referring physician within 2 to 3 days. Your physician will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your physician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about these and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.