Barium Enema

How to prepare for the examination?

At the time of the examination, the colon must be clean. Therefore, you will be provided some medications that will help you empty your bowels, attached are complete instructions of how to administer the medicine.

• This examination is not advisable for pregnant women or those breastfeeding; physician should be informed of condition. Also, bring a list of your allergies before examination.
• You will change into a hospital gown for the procedure. Remove any metal objects. 
• The x-ray technologist will take preliminary pictures to assure that the colon is clear. If it is not, a cleansing would be required. You will receive an enema of soap and water twice or three times. You have to wait for two hours afterwards. 
• You will be asked to lie on your left side on the x-ray table. The technologist will introduce a plastic tube through the anus. The contrast dye will then enter the colon to help the doctor in examining the colon entirely.
• You might feel some bowel movement. Please, bear with it and try not to pass out the contrast dye until the exam is finished. 
• During the examination you will be asked to change positions several times to scan to colon.
• You will be required to stay still and follow breathing instructions during the scan.
• When the examination is complete, the doctor will leave the room and the technologist will take extra scans.
• In some cases, you will be asked to stay for additional tests that the doctor requires.

The duration of the examination:

Usually it would take an hour from the time the contrast dye is injected. And three hours from the time you entered the department.  

Passing the contrast dye:

You need to drink lots of fluids to pass the remnants of dye in your body.  

Getting the results:

The doctor will write a report and it will be added to you medical file. Afterwards, you will be scheduled an appointment with the doctor who had requested the x-ray to follow up on the results. 

• You must come on time.
• Your appointment will be canceled if you are 15 minutes late.
• In the event that you can not come or if there is any inquiry, please call: 2520088 on Ext # 12992 / 12991.