Barium Enemas,Barium Sulfate is injected into the colon for diagnostic purposes

A barium enema is a special enema solution that is used to take a picture of the inside of your colon. Barium sulfate is used in an enema solution because it shows up on x-rays (your colon, which is soft tissue does not show up well on x-rays).

If doctors suspect something wrong with your colon (such as colon cancer) they will take a picture of the inner walls of your colon by giving you a barium enema, then taking an x-ray. What they will get is a picture of the barium that has stuck to the inner walls of your colon. They can then analyze this picture for irregularities that might suggest malignant growths (such as tumors, etc.).

It's a neat trick for the medical world to use when diagnosing colon problems. For the rest of us though, barium enemas don't really do anything (unless you tinker with x-ray machines).

The solution absorbs x-rays and shows a ghostlike image of the colon.

Often a portion of the barium is allowed to be expelled and then air (or CO2) is injected. This type of enema is called a double contrast enema it leaves barium coating the colon wall, and gives a clear ghostly image of the lining of the colon.
Helps to confirm the diagnosis of lower-bowel inflammatory problems and possible colon cancer.
Usually detects polyps, inflammation and structural changes of the large intestine.

Preparation:
You will be asked not to consume any solid food 24 hours before the procedure.
You have to clean the entire digestive system.

Procedure:

Barium Sulfate is injected into the colon for diagnostic purposes. It absorbs X-rays, leaving a picture of the shape of the inside of the colon.
Sometimes most of the barium is released and then air (or CO2) is injected into the colon. This type of enema is called a double contrast enema it leaves barium coating the colon wall, and gives a clear ghostly image of the lining of the colon.
Helps to confirm the diagnosis of lower-bowel inflammatory problems and possible colon cancer.
Usually detects polyps, structural changes of the large intestine

The barium enema procedure can be an uncomfortable experience as you are required to take and hold two to four quarts of barium enema solution.
Many times the technician will use a balloon type nozzle or a double balloon catheter to ensure that none of the solution is expelled during the procedure. This nozzle has a balloon on it which is inserted inside the anus and then inflated. Thus making for a tight seal so solution is not released during the procedure. During their procedure you will be placed in several different positions so that the technician can ensure a complete viewing of the entire colon that has been distended with barium.

Barium Enema flowing into the rectum

The use of a white colored solution (barium sulfate) given by an enema to allow x-ray examination of the lower intestinal tract.

Barium Sulfate is injected into the colon for diagnostic purposes. It absorbs X-rays, leaving a picture of the shape of the hollow inside of the colon. Sometimes some of the barium is released and then air (or CO2) is injected. This type of enema is called a double contrast enema it leaves barium coating the colon wall, and gives a clear ghostly image of the lining of the colon.
Helps to confirm the diagnosis of lower-bowel inflammatory problems and possible colon cancer.
Usually detects polyps, inflammation and structural changes of the large intestine.