Barium Enema X-Ray Examination (B.E.)

Your physician has ordered a barium enema examination of your large bowel or colon.  This x-ray examination will be directed by a radiologist.

For a successful examination, it is important that you follow these instructions carefully.  Your bowel should be completely empty in order to obtain a clear picture of your large bowel.  Your physician asks you to follow a special diet and ingest a laxative the day before your examination.

What To Expect During Your Visit

Before Your Exam
          * You will be instructed to follow a low-residue diet
             for a period of 48 hours prior to your scheduled
             examination
          * Select from this list:
               Eggs (hard or soft boiled, poached)
               White Bread (plain or with jelly  -  no butter)
               Cream of Wheat or Rice Krispies
               Clear Soups
               Boiled Skim Milk
               Sherbet
               Plain Jello
               Clear Fruit Juice (apple, grape, orange drink, kool aid)
               NO FATS
               NO MILK PRODUCTS
          * Please drink one full glass of water (or more) at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. the day
            before your exam.
          * You will be given a Magnesium Citrate laxative and will be instructed to take it in the 
            afternoon on the day before you examination (take all of it).
          * At 8p.m., the evening before your exam, you will be asked to ingest 3 Dulcolax 
            (Bisacodyl) tablets (4 tablets for patients 60 years or older).
          * At bedtime the evening before your exam, you will need to insert a Dulcolax (Biscodyl)
            suppository (after removing the wrapper) into your rectum.  At 7 a.m. the day of your 
            exam, you will again be asked to rectally insert a Dulcolax (Biscodyl) suppository.  Please drink
            one and one-half glasses of water. (If G.I. study is scheduled in combination, you will be
            asked to omit the water.)
          * Do not eat anything from midnight until after your examination is completed (no
            breakfast).
          * You may drink clear liquids until the time of your exam.
          * Take your prescribed medications as usual with water.  Be sure to take them at least 2
             hours before your exam is scheduled to begin.  If you have questions regarding your
             medications, please ask your physician.

The Examination
Please report promptly to the Registration Desk in the main lobby of VRMC prior to your scheduled examination.

You will be directed to the Radiology Department where you will asked to disrobe and put on a gown and robe.  These will be provided.

You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table.  An enema tip will be inserted into your rectum.  A small balloon will be inflated to help you retain the enema.

The radiologist will then fill your colon with barium while using a TV monitor to observe the procedure.  You will be asked to roll from side to side and hold your breath while x-rays are taken.

Additional films will be taken by a technologist as quickly as possible.  You will then be allowed to go to the bathroom to expel the barium.  A film will be taken following your elimination of the barium.

All x-ray films will be reviewed by the radiologist to determine if the procedure has been completed.

Upon Completion
When the examination is completed, you will be instructed to take two ounces of Milk of Magnesia and drink plenty of fluids.  You may eat or drink normally after your exam.

The radiologist will study and interpret your examination results and then consult with your physician.  Your physician will share the results with you, either in his office or by telephone.  If you have not heard from your physician within one week of your examination, please call your physician.