Barium enema
What is a barium enema?
A barium enema is
a test which uses X-rays and a kind of enema solution to take
pictures
of the lower part of the intestines. The test shows if there is anything wrong inside the intestines and how well they
are working. Barium enema procedures are done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Before the procedure
Before coming to the hospital for the test, you need to get your child ready at
home. Parents should explain to younger children what will happen using simple
words. It may be best to explain only right before the test. Below are general
preparation instructions, however, preparation for this test depends on the
indications, or why we are doing it, so it is best to ask your physician
what the right preparation instructions are for your child's specific test.
General preparation
instructions
0 - 2
years: Liquid
diet for 24-hours prior to the
examination. Nothing by mouth for
4 hours prior to the examination. Fleet enema or normal saline enema at 7-8 p.m. on the day
preceding the examination. Fleet enema or normal
saline enema 3 hours prior to the examination.
2 years and
older:
Low-residue diet for
2 days prior to the examination. See
Low Fiber/Residue Diet below.
Clear liquids for 24-hours prior to the examination. No mild or milk products for 24-hours
prior to the examination. Castor
oil at 4 p.m. on the day preceding the examination in the following
dosage:
2 - 4 years:
1 ounce
5 - 9 years:
1
1/2 ounce
10 - 16 years:
2 ounces
The castor oil may be mixed with either juice or pop. If a good result from castor oil is not obtained, Fleet enema or saline enema
at 8 p.m. on the day preceding the examination. Also, Fleet enema or saline enema 3 hours
prior to the examination.
Low residue diet
- Sago, tapioca, white bread, white crumpets,
white English muffins
- White pasta foods made with white flour or corn
flour: scones, sponge cake, donuts, plain sweet biscuits.
- White rice: Cornflakes, rice Bubbles, Special
K, semolina, rice cereal.
- Meat, chicken, fish, eggs
- Avocado (quarter per day only)
- Lettuce, tomato (two slices per day only)
- Beetroot (two slices per day only)
- Potato (no skin,
one per day only)
|
|
- Carrots, canned apple or stewed fresh apple (no
skin or core)
- Pumpkin seedless jam, honey and Vegemite
- Butter, margarine, oil and mayonnaise
- Melons - watermelon (no seeds), honeydew and
rockmelon
- Jelly, iceblocks strained fruit juice (not
prune juice)
- Tea and coffee
- Soft drinks
- Paste strained
soups, consomme, vinegar,
marshmallows,
barley sugars, jelly beans, meringues.
|
During the barium enema
Barium enemas use a big camera to take pictures.
Children can bring their favorite stuffed animal or blanket with them on
the day of the test. A technologist will come and get you and
your child and bring you into a room that has artwork on the floor
outside.
One parent is allowed to stay with the child during the test. Your child will then change
into a gown and be asked to lie down on a bed. After that, the test will
begin.
Next, your child will be given an enema of fluid called barium. This may
be painful but if your child holds very still it will help us finish fast. Barium
allows us to see the insides better. The technologist will also help your child turn as they lie on the table.
They will have to turn to one side, then the other and maybe on they
belly as well. It is important that your child holds very still when the camera takes the
picture.
After the barium
enema
After the radiologist
leaves, the technologist may have to take more pictures. Then the
test is over! Your child can go into the bathroom and clean up after which they
can dressed and go home. It is important to have your child drink a lot. This will help
the barium get out of their body. Water, juices and Kool-Aid work best. It is possible
that when they go to the bathroom it may look white for the next day or two. This
is normal. The more they drink, the faster this will stop.
Technology/Scanners used
X-ray