Frequently asked Questions about X-Ray -BARIUM

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How should I prepare for the procedure(Barium-enema)?

You will be given detailed instructions on how to prepare for your lower GI imaging. During the day before the procedure, you will likely be asked not to eat, and to drink only clear liquids like juice, tea, black coffee, cola, or broth, and avoid dairy products. After midnight, you should take nothing by mouth. You may also be instructed to take a laxative (in either pill or liquid form) and to use an over-the-counter enema preparation the evening, or even a few hours, before the procedure. Just follow your doctor's instructions.

Once you arrive at the imaging center, you will be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You will also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, or any metal objects that could obscure the images.

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What does the equipment look like?

The equipment used for most lower GI examinations consists of a large, flat table. A moveable apparatus extends over a portion of the table and sends real-time images to a television monitor. Multiple static images are obtained by the radiologist and technologist for later hard copy review. The table can move and tilt and contains a drawer with a fluorescent plate that captures the image and sends it to a nearby television monitor for viewing.

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How is the procedure performed?(Barium-enema)

A lower GI radiological examination is usually done on an outpatient basis. The radiologist or technologist will ask a series of questions about the patient's allergies and prior sensitivity to contrast agents. The patient is positioned on the table, a preliminary film is obtained to check for adequacy of the bowel preparation. The radiologist or technologist will then make the contrast injection by inserting a small tube into the rectum. A mixture of barium and water is passed into the patient's colon through the tube. To help the barium thoroughly coat the lining of the colon, air may also be injected through the tube. Then a series of images is captured.

The patient may be repositioned frequently, to enable the technologist to capture views from several angles. Some newer equipment allows patients to remain in the same position throughout the exam. During the study, the radiologist will view the films and request special views or close-ups.

Once the x-ray images are completed, most of the barium is drawn back into a bag, and the patient is directed to the washroom to expel the remaining barium and air. In some cases, the technologist may then take additional images to help the doctor see how well the colon has cleared. The patient is then released.
A lower GI study typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes

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What will I experience during the procedure(Barium enema)?

As the barium fills your colon, you will feel the need to move your bowel. You may feel abdominal pressure, or even minor cramping. These are common sensations, and most people tolerate the mild discomfort easily. The tip of the enema tube is specially designed to help you hold in the barium. If you are having trouble, let the technologist know.

During the imaging process, you will be asked to turn from side to side, and to hold several different positions. At times, pressure may be applied to your abdomen. With air contrast studies of the bowel, the table will be positioned for upright spot films.

Most patients are able to return to a normal diet and activities immediately after the exam. Your stools may appear white for a day or so, as your body clears the metallic liquid from your system. After a barium enema, some people experience constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for more than two days after your exam, or are unable to pass gas rectally, call your doctor promptly. You may need an enema or laxative to assist in eliminating the barium, and your doctor will prescribe the right solution for you.

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What are the benefits vs. risks? (Barium-enema)

Benefits

• With the use of the barium contrast agent, lower GI imaging provides valuable, detailed information to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating conditions from ulcers to cancer.
• Radiology examination can often provide enough information to avoid more invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy.

Risks

• In rare cases, the barium suspension could leak through an undetected perforation in the lower GI tract, producing inflammation in surrounding tissues.
• Even more rarely, the barium can cause an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, called barium impaction.
• During a procedure, a patient is exposed to approximately 20 milliroentgens of radiation. This compares with the 100 milliroentgens of radiation we are all exposed to each year from sources such as the ultraviolet rays of the sun and the traces of uranium found in the soil.

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What are the limits of Lower GI Tract Radiography?

A barium enema is usually not indicated for someone who recently experienced a sudden attack of bleeding or abdominal pain. X-ray imaging is not usually indicated for pregnant women.

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How should I prepare for the procedure(Barium-Meal)?

Almost all these tests need you to be fasting overnight (no water, breakfast or tea); a mild laxative and / or an anti flatulent may be prescribed to you at bedtime, a day prior to the procedure to enable you to clear your bowels.

Once you arrive at the imaging center, you will be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You will also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, or any metal objects that could obscure the images.

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What will I experience during the procedure(Barium meal)?

The barium mixture is a mildly flavoured preparation which tastes like a usual antacid preparation. It is not tasty but not unpalatable either ! While performing the test, you may be asked to turn from side to side to capture pictures from various angles. Most of these tests will require a fluroscopy or IITV x-ray device which is an extension of the usual x-ray machine. There is no pain or discomfort encountered during the procedure. Certian tests like a barium meal follow through may take a few hours to complete.

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