Opaque enema

Alternative names

Low intestinal transit. Barium enema.

Definition

Diagnostic test used in the field of Gastroenterology that consists of obtaining radiological images of the large intestine (colon and rectum) through the use of ionizing radiation (X-rays) and an opaque contrast that is administered through the rectum in the form of an enema.

The type of enema used in the study can be:

• Simple opaque enema: which uses barium as a contrast medium to highlight the large intestine and allow a better visualization of it.
• Double-contrast opaque enema that uses barium as the contrast medium and air blown into the colon to expand it, which provides better images than the simple enema.

How is the study done?

The study is carried out in the Radiology Unit of the medical center or hospital by a radiology technician.

The patient must undress the anatomical area under study and remove their personal items, especially jewelry and metal objects.

The patient lies on the X-ray table and a plain X-ray is taken. Then, you are asked to lie on your side so the examiner gently places a lubricated tube into the rectum. The tube is connected to a bag that contains a barium enema, which will be passed through the tube until the colon is filled. The patient will be asked to assume different positions, hold their breath, or remain still while different X-rays are taken at different angles and positions.

Once the X-rays have been taken, the probe is removed and the patient is asked to try to evacuate as much barium as possible after which 1 or 2 more X-rays can be taken to check the proper function of the intestine.

Preparation for the study

The barium enema requires careful preparation for a correct visualization of the large intestine.

Three days before the test, the patient must start a residue-free diet (the instructions will be provided by the doctor or center). In general, you can follow a diet with: filtered vegetable broth, tapioca, rice and pasta, lean meats, cooked without fat, liver, white fish, cooked without fat or grilled, hard cheeses, filtered orange juices, biscuits, cookies , honey and jelly, butter, raw in a small quantity, coffee, tea and light herbal teas, still water.

The night before the test, you can only drink liquids.

Between 10 and 15 hours prior to the study, the patient should take an evacuating solution following the recommendations of the package insert; previously, you should avoid taking any solid food 4 hours before the start of taking the solution.

Sometimes, if a correct cleaning is not achieved with the use of the evacuating solution (elimination of clear liquid rectally) it will be necessary to use cleaning enemas following the instructions in the package, until a correct cleaning of the digestive tract is achieved.

The patient can take his usual medication during the preparation for the study unless contraindicated.

During the study:

On the day of the examination, the patient cannot eat solid food; he can have sugary tea or coffee for breakfast.

After the study:

The patient can lead a normal life at the end of the study. The intake of abundant fluids is recommended to promote a rapid elimination of the contrast.

What does it feel like during and after the study?

The performance of the barium enema can be uncomfortable for the patient.

During the administration of the barium enema, a feeling of need to defecate or intestinal fullness may appear.

Mild to moderate abdominal discomfort and mild to severe intestinal cramps may appear during or after the administration of the barium enema.

Sedatives may be administered before the start of the study to minimize discomfort.

Intestinal colic can be treated with antispasmodic and analgesic drugs.

The barium contrast will be eliminated along with the stool in the hours or days after the study is carried out.

Study risks

• Barium enema allergy
• allergy to drugs used during or after the study
• Minimal exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays)
• Intestinal perforation and infection of the peritoneum (rare)

Study contraindications

The patient should consult with his doctor before carrying out the study in case of:

• allergy to barium contrast
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active inflammatory bowel disease or recent bowel surgery
• Taking medication

Reasons why the study is carried out

The barium enema is a widely known and widely used test in the field of Medicine.

It is a relatively simple and minimally invasive test that allows detecting alterations in the normal morphology of both the colon walls and its lumen, such as narrowing, dilatation, benign tumors (polyps), precancerous lesions (ulcers) or malignant tumors (carcinomas). ); which in the case of being observed should be studied later by using more specific tests.