Fluoroscopy: Air-Contrast Barium Enema

An air-contrast barium enema is an exam that visualizes the large intestine. In order to clearly see the large intestine, a small amount of barium is introduced to the large intestine, followed by a small amount of air. The air pushes the barium against the walls of the large intestine, which helps to locate abnormalities in the wall of the large intestine.

The radiologic technologist and the radiologist perform the exam in a specialized x-ray room with a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope is an advanced x-ray machine that allows images to be taken during movement, much like a home video camera, which are displayed on a television monitor in the room.

Before arriving at the radiology department, the patient must not have consumed any food or drink since midnight. Also, the patient should have obtained a special preparation kit and closely followed its instructions. The large bowel needs to be free of stool to ensure a quality diagnostic exam.

When arriving at the Radiology Department, the patient is first asked to change into a hospital-provided gown for the exam. The gown is to ensure that no unusual presentations occur on the image from the patient’s clothing. It also ensures that should any barium be accidentally spilled, it is not spilled on the patient’s personal clothing. Socks, rings, watches, necklaces, and earrings may be worn during the exam.

The exam procedure is as follows:

  1. An abdomen x-ray is first taken.
  2. To introduce barium into the large intestine, a soft rubber tip is gently placed into the rectum. It is held in place by the inflation of a small balloon.
  3. The radiologist will instruct the radiology tech to allow the barium to flow. The patient will be instructed to roll from side to side to distribute the small amount of barium throughout the large intestine. Then the radiologist will pump air into the large intestine by squeezing a small ball. The radiologist will observe on the television monitor, occasionally taking still images as the barium flows through the large bowel.
  4. Once the radiologist is finished taking still images, the radiologic technologist will obtain several more images that will require the patient to roll on each side.
  5. Once all images have been obtained and checked for quality, the barium is drained back into a bag.
  6. The patient is then allowed to go to the restroom and evacuate any remaining barium.
  7. After the patient has finished in the restroom, the radiology technologist will take another abdomen image. After this image is taken and checked for quality, the exam is over. The entire exam will take approximately one hour.

Afterwards, the patient is able to resume all activities immediately. The patient is strongly encouraged to drink plenty of water and fluids for the next few days to prevent constipation from the barium. A report will be generated in 3-5 days and be available to your doctor. Films and reports can be obtained from the location you have your exam.

Each individual patient will have specific needs and concerns that we will address before your study begins. Please feel free to ask us questions at any time.