barium enema
Last reviewed 01/2018
The barium enema is a double contrast radiological technique which is used to assess the anatomy of the large bowel and occasionally the terminal ileum.
The patient is prepared for a barium enema in the following manner:
- low residue diet for three days prior to the procedure
- laxatives 24 hr prior
- bowel washout immediately prior
Air and barium are introduced rectally and radiographs are taken.
The barium enema is not reliable for diagnosis of rectal pathology.