Barium Enema

Definition: A barium enema is a test that is used to help a physician determine what is going on inside the large intestine and make a diagnosis. To start the test, an enema of barium and some air are inserted into the colon through the rectum. The barium is "held" inside the rectum while a series of X-rays are taken of the abdomen.

Any abnormalities, such as polyps, will show up as a dark silhouette on the X-ray film. If an abnormality is seen, a colonoscopy is usually recommended.

A barium enema is one of many tests that may be recommended as a screening test for colorectal cancer in people age 50 or over. A barium enema may be recommended every 5 to 10 years for people over the age of 50 years.

Sources:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Barium enema." National Institutes of Health November 2004. 19 Jun 2007.

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. "Double-contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) or Barium X-ray." American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons 2003. 19 Jun 2007.

American Cancer Society. "Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?" American Cancer Society, Inc 2007. 19 Jun 2007.

Also Known As: double contrast barium enema, lower gastrointestinal (GI) series