Barium Enema
Barium Enema
Barium Enema
It is a radiological
study of large bowl
by adminstration of
contrast medium to
rectum.
CONTRAST
• Barium Sulphate
– White cryatalline powder
– Atomic number - 56
– Insoluble in water
– Non toxic
• Disorders of esophagous, small and large
intestine checked
• X-RAYs and CTs seen more clearly
PREPARATION
• Empty the colon- elimate fecal material from colon and rectum
• Patient should maitain special diet and fast for 6 hours before
procedure
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehyration
• Peritonitis
• Inability to co-operate,unconscious,debilitated
• Toxic megacolon
PROCEDURE
• Scout flim is taken of the AP abdomen (15-20 min)
• Interavenous injection of buscopan/ glucagon(20 ml)
• Intermittent screening to check the barium
• Patient in prone postion
• Flexible rectal catheter is inserted with air in anus gently without injuring
rectum
• Barium is passed through the tube
• Air passed down the enema tube into the colon to coat barium along the
walls
• X-ray images taken with different positions
• Tube removed
AFTER CARE
DISADVANTAGE OF ENEMA
• Distention of the colon is uncomfortable
• Patient may be uncorporative
• Complication of peritonitis
• Constipation
• Polypoid lesion is possible