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Barium Enema
What is a Barium Enema?
A Barium and/or Air Contrast Enema is an x-ray examination of the colon
(large intestine). Barium and air are used to coat the colon so that
the Radiologist using a fluoroscope can closely observe it, and the
X-ray Technologist may film it.
The
barium enema usually is performed prior to a study of the upper GI
tract, because barium is generally quickly eliminated from the colon,
and the upper GI study can be performed within a short time.
Scheduling/Preparation
Appointments may be scheduled at our Puyallup Imaging Center or in the
Radiology Department of any of our hospital locations. At least one
hour should be allowed for this examination. You may obtain a
preparation kit from our Imaging Center or from the hospital prior to
the procedure. Please prepare for your examination by following the
routine described below.
How should I prepare?
TWO DAYS BEFORE APPOINTMENT:
Eat only clear liquids after noon
(i.e., water, coffee, tea, (no cream), clear soup, broth, bouillon,
apple juice, cranberry juice, grape juice, Gatorade, plain Jell-O,
Popsicles). No milk or milk products are allowed. Ask your physician
about which of your routine medications you should be taking during
your preparation for this procedure.
ONE DAY BEFORE APPOINTMENT:
Have a clear liquid breakfast and lunch.
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12:30 pm
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Drink entire contents of EVAC-Q-MAG (#1 in kit) over ice.
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1:00 pm
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8 oz. of fluid
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3:00 pm
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Take two (2) EVAC-Q-TABS laxative tablets (#2 in kit) with large glass of water
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4:00 pm
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8 oz. of fluid
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5:00 pm
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Liquid dinner: Clear soup, plain gelatin, 8oz. of fluid
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6:00 pm
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8 oz. of fluid
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9:00 pm
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8 oz. of fluid
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10:00 pm
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Insert one (1) EVAC-Q-SERT suppository (#3 in kit) into rectum.
Remove suppository from protective metal covering. Insert suppository
into your rectum and push as high as possible. Retain suppository for
at least 15 minutes, even if urge is strong to evacuate. Bowel
evacuation usually occurs within 15 to 60 minutes. |
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11:00 pm
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8 oz. of fluid
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THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT:
Have clear liquids ONLY for
breakfast. The preceding instructions must be followed exactly as
written in order to cleanse your colon so we can examine it thoroughly.
Lack of a clean colon may obscure important areas and require a repeat
examination.
Also, please make arrangements to keep your children at home
on the day of your appointment. There are no childcare services
onsite...and due to the presence of radiation, children are not allowed
to enter exam rooms during imaging procedures.
What should I expect?
First you will change into an exam gown and discuss with the
Technologist your symptoms and medical history. Next, your Technologist
will position you on the x-ray table and insert a lubricated enema tip
into your rectum. Barium and air will fill your large intestine slowly
under the control of the Radiologist. We ask that you retain the enema
tip in the rectum while we observe the barium flow through your large
intestine.
The Radiologist will take images of specific areas of the
colon as necessary. The Technologist will finish the examination by
taking additional images as specified by the Radiologist. During the
course of the examination you will be requested to move into different
positions and hold very still. Please let us know if you are having
significant distress at any time, so that we can do our best to keep
you comfortable. After filming, you will be escorted to a nearby
bathroom where you may evacuate the barium mixture.
The Technologist will ask you to return to the dressing booth and
remain in your examination gown. While you are waiting, the
Technologist will develop the films and present them to the Radiologist.
If no additional images are required, you may change back into your
regular clothes and return home. You may eat and drink normally unless
otherwise instructed by your physician. The barium may cause
constipation; therefore, drink as much fluid as possible and take the
mild laxative provided following your examination.
The barium may color your stool, but that is normal. You may experience
bloating and/or discomfort temporarily. However, such symptoms should
cease within a few hours.
When can I expect results?
Exam results are usually available 3 working days after the procedure.
Please contact your referring physician for results at that time.
Which location provides this service?
Puyallup Imaging Center
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