Can I take my usual medication?

Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor before taking any medication on the morning of your exam.

What will happen In the X-ray room?

A radiologist and a technologist will administer the barium enema. The barium mixture fills the large intestine so that it can be seen on X-ray. The radiologist will watch the images of your intestine on a special X-ray television screen. At times, the radiologist will ask you to change your position or hold your breath so that "snapshots" or spot films may be taken.

After these "snapshots" are taken, the technologist will take several larger films of your abdomen.

Will it hurt?

It will be mildly to moderately uncomfortable. Sometimes there will be cramping.

How long will the exam last?

The enema will take about fifteen minutes. However, you should allow extra time for preparation and for X-rays of the colon to be taken by the technologist -- about one hour in total.

When may I eat?

You may eat as soon as the exam is over. You should drink plenty of liquids to avoid constipation from the barium.

How will I learn the results?

Your physician will discuss the results with you.

General Prep Info

Each type of imaging exam has its' own guidelines. Special instructions for your exam will be given at the time of scheduling. For certain procedures, we will contact you 24-48 hours prior to your exam with preparation-specific instructions.

The following are a few general guidelines that apply to
every imaging exam:
 

• Notify your physician and our staff if there is any chance that you may be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding.

• Discuss any special needs - such as dietary and/or physical limitations with us in advance.

• Check with us in advance about recovery time or if a driver is needed so you can make necessary arrangements with work and family.

• Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing; be prepared to change into a patient gown if necessary.

• Arrive 20 minutes early to verify your registration information and provide further health information for your exam.

• Bring prior x-rays or scans with you to the exam if you are instructed to do so.
  

BARIUM ENEMA PREPARATION

The patient must purchase a Fleet Enema prep kit #2 at a drugstore.

The patient must take this enema as per the instructions on the kit one-hour before the exam.

In addition to the above,  patients older than 7 must observe the following dietary prep, starting at noon the day before the exam.