What are the risks of having a barium enema?

What are the risks of having a barium enema?

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: Colon perforation….What are the risks of a barium enema?

• Suspected bowel perforation.
• Severe ulcerative colitis.
• Pregnancy.
• Toxic megacolon.
• Acute abdominal pain.

Is a barium enema the same as a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is more accurate than barium enema in detecting polyps, cancers, and colitis. Colonoscopy also has the added advantage of being able to remove polyps and obtain biopsies (tiny tissue samples for analysis under a microscope) at the same time of the procedure.

How do you explain a barium enema to a patient?

A barium enema involves filling the colon and rectum with a white liquid material (barium) through a catheter (tube) inserted into the rectum through the anus. It is normal during the procedure to feel some fullness or mild discomfort in the abdomen.

How painful is a barium enema?

Will it hurt? You may feel some discomfort when the enema tube is inserted. During the test, you may feel some discomfort, including bloating and severe cramping. You may feel as if you need to move your bowels.

What symptoms would lead a doctor to recommend a barium enema?

In the past, your doctor may have recommended a barium enema to determine the cause of signs and symptoms, such as the following:

• Abdominal pain.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Changes in bowel habits.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Chronic diarrhea.
• Persistent constipation.

How long does it take for barium to pass through your system?

Often, additional X-rays are made after the barium has been excreted from the bowel, which is usually one or more days after the procedure. After the procedure, a small amount of barium will be expelled from the body immediately. The remainder of the liquid is later excreted in the stool.

Why do you have a barium enema?

A barium enema is an x-ray of the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, which helps the body process waste. A barium enema helps doctors find health conditions in the colon and rectum, such as inflammation, polyps, and cancer.

Can you be sedated for a barium enema?

It allows the radiologist to see your internal organs in motion by tracking the flow of the barium solution through your intestinal tract. The test doesn’t require painkillers or sedation, but there may be moments of slight discomfort.

Are you awake for a barium enema?

You will remain awake throughout the barium enema procedure. The contrast material (barium) will be put into the rectum through a plastic tube. Aside from that discomfort, you may feel the pressure of the liquid that is being administered. Otherwise, pain should be minimal.

How do you get rid of barium in your system?

You can manage constipation by drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in fiber to help the rest of the barium leave your body. You may also be given a laxative to help with this. Your bowel movements may be white or lighter in color until all the barium has left your body.

How fast do you have to drink barium?

From start to finish, a barium swallow takes about 30 minutes. You will get your results within several days of your procedure.

What do you need to know about a barium enema?

Barium enema. Print. A barium enema is an X-ray exam that can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). The procedure is also called a colon X-ray. 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.

How to prepare for a barium enema at Johns Hopkins?

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.

Where does the barium coating on the colon come from?

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.

When to notify your doctor about a barium swallow?

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.

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