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Health Topics Category Index Health Topics for Medical Departments Department of Radiology
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Barium Enema
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University of Iowa Department of Radiology, Section of Pediatric Radiology
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Creation Date: Unknown
Last Revision Date: Unknown
A barium enema is an examination of the large bowel (colon) using barium flowing through the rectum. A plain film of the abdomen is obtained and then the radiologist proceeds with the enema part of the procedure. The flow of barium is controlled by watching it on the fluoroscope and obtaining films as various parts of the colon fill. After the colon is examined under the fluoroscope, the technologist is instructed by the radiologist to obtain certain views for best visualization of the bowel. The procedure moves very quickly and the patient is then allowed to empty the enema. Sometimes a post-evacuation film is requested as part of the procedure.
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