What is a barium enema?A barium enema is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The large intestine, including the rectum, is made visible on X-ray film by filling the colon with a liquid suspension called barium sulfate (barium). Barium highlights certain areas in the body to create a clearer picture. Show
X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body tissues onto specially-treated plates (similar to camera film) and a "negative" type picture is made (the more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film). Fluoroscopy is often used during a barium enema. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures — similar to an X-ray "movie." A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. In a barium enema, fluoroscopy allows the radiologist to see the movement of the barium through the large intestine as it is instilled through the rectum. Why is barium used with X-rays?Barium is a dry, white, chalky, powder that is mixed with water to make barium liquid. Barium is an X-ray absorber and appears white on X-ray film. When instilled via the rectum, barium coats the inside wall of the large intestine. This allows for visualization of the inner wall lining, as well as the size, shape, contour, and patency of the colon. This process shows differences that might not be seen on standard X-rays. Barium is used only for diagnostic studies of the GI tract. The use of barium with standard X-rays contributes to the visibility of various characteristics of the large intestine. Some abnormalities of the large intestine that may be detected by a barium enema include tumors, inflammation, polyps (growths), diverticula (pouches), obstructions, and changes in the intestinal structure. After the instillation of barium into the rectum, the radiologist may also fill the large intestine with air. Air will appear black on X-ray film, contrasting with barium's white image. The use of the 2 substances, barium and air, is called a double contrast study. The purpose of using 2 contrast substances is to achieve an enhancement of the inside wall lining of the large intestine. As the air expands the large intestine (like blowing up a balloon), a barium coating is formed on the inner surface of the colon wall. This technique enhances visualization by sharpening the outline of the inner surface layer of the large intestine. The benefit of this technique is to show smaller surface abnormalities in the large intestine. Other related procedures that may be used to diagnose lower GI problems include colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, abdominal X-ray, CT (computed tomography) scan of the abdomen, and abdominal ultrasound. Anatomy of the colonThe large intestine, or colon, has four sections:
The rectum joins the anus, or the opening where waste matter passes out of the body. What are the reasons for a barium enema?A barium enema may be performed to diagnose structural or functional abnormalities of the large intestine, including the rectum. These abnormalities may include, but are not limited to:
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a barium enema. What are the risks of a barium enema?You may want to ask your doctor about the amount of radiation used during the procedure and the risks related to your particular situation. It's a good idea to keep a record of your past history of radiation exposure, such as previous scans and other types of X-rays, so that you can inform your health care provider. Risks associated with radiation exposure may be related to the cumulative number of X-ray examinations and/or treatments over a long period of time. If you're pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your doctor. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast media, iodine, or latex should notify their health care provider. Constipation or fecal impaction may occur if the barium isn't completely eliminated from the body. Risks of barium enema may include, but are not limited to:
Contraindications for a barium enema include, but are not limited to:
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure. Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the accuracy of a barium enema procedure. These factors include, but are not limited to:
How do I prepare for a barium enema?PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your doctor. Notify the radiologist if you've had a recent barium swallow or upper GI procedure, as this may interfere with obtaining an optimal X-ray exposure of the lower GI area. Before starting barium enema preparation, please discuss with your physician if:
CLOTHING: You must completely change into a patient gown. A locker will be provided to secure personal belongings. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home. EAT/DRINK: If you are having a barium enema with Johns Hopkins radiology, follow the directions below to ensure your colon is properly cleansed and free of waste matter or feces prior to the procedure. Based on your medical condition, your health care provider may request other specific preparation. The day before the exam: Step 1. Have only clear liquids for the entire day. Drinking lots of clear liquids is a very important part of the preparation. Clear liquids include:
Step 2. At 5 p.m. drink a 10 ounce bottle of magnesium citrate. Have additional clear fluids throughout the evening. Drink a minimum of four 8 ounce glasses of clear liquid. Magnesium citrate is available at any pharmacy. Step 3. At 9 p.m. take two (2) bisacodyl tablets with at least one full glass of water. Do not crush or chew tablets. Bisacodyl tablets are available at any pharmacy. PLEASE NOTE: If you have a colostomy or illiostomy, do notcomplete this step. You should instead continue to have clear liquids. The day of the exam: Continue to follow clear liquid diet until the examination is complete. Use one bisacodyl rectal suppository 90 minutes prior to leave home for your test. A bowel movement should occur within 30 minutes. Bisacodyl suppositories are available at any pharmacy. Bring a list of all your medications including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. What happens during a barium enema?A barium enema may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. Generally, a barium enema will follow this process:
What happens after a barium enema?Following the examination, some barium will be expelled immediately. You'll be assisted to the bathroom or given a bedpan. You may resume your normal diet and activities after a barium enema, unless your doctor advises you differently. Barium may cause constipation or possible impaction after the procedure if it isn't completely eliminated from your body. You may be advised to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber to expel the barium from the body. You may also be given a cathartic or laxative to help expel the barium. Since barium isn't absorbed into the body but passes through your entire gastrointestinal tract, your bowel movements may be lighter in color until all the barium has been excreted. The long and rigorous bowel preparation prior to the procedure may cause fatigue afterward. You should rest as needed. You may experience soreness of the anus and rectum due to the bowel preparation. Your doctor may recommend the application of a soothing ointment to the area. Notify your health care provider to report any of the following:
Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. What is the purpose of a barium enema?(Rationale: The purpose of the barium enema is to detect the presence of polyps, tumors, and other lesions of the large intestine and to demonstrate any abnormal anatomy or malfunction of the bowel.) A nurse is caring for a patient with Crohn's disease. The patient is scheduled for a barium enema. What is an
How should I prepare for a barium enema exam?How you prepare. Before a barium enema exam, you'll be instructed to empty your colon. Any residue in your colon may obscure the X-ray images or be mistaken for an abnormality. To empty your colon, you may be asked to: Follow a special diet the day before the exam.
What happens during a double contrast barium enema?Overview. During a barium enema exam, air may be pumped into the colon. The air expands the colon and improves the quality of images. This is called an air-contrast (double-contrast) barium enema. Before a barium enema, your doctor will instruct you to completely empty your colon.
What is an enema and how does it work?An enema is the injection of a liquid into your rectum through a small tube. In this case, the liquid contains a metallic substance (barium) that coats the lining of the colon.
What is a barium enema procedure?A barium enema is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The large intestine, including the rectum, is made visible on X-ray film by filling the colon with a liquid suspension called barium sulfate (barium).
What is your nursing responsibility if the patient will undergo for barium enema?Instruct the patient to eat a low-residue diet for several days before the procedure and consume only clear liquids during the 24 hr before the procedure, including the evening before the test. There are no activity restrictions unless by medical direction.
Why do we need to perform such barium enema procedure?Barium enemas can help diagnose changes to your large intestine, such as your colon and rectum. Your doctor might recommend a barium enema to find inflammation, polyps, or cancer in your colon or rectum. The most common reason you may need a barium enema is after rectal surgery.
How many day's would be the required patient preparation for barium enema?How do you prepare for the test? For 1 to 3 days before the test, you will drink water, fruit juices, plain coffee or tea, and broth. On the day before the test: Drink plenty of fluids.
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