Barium enema

Infusion of radiopaque barium into the lower intestinal tract for fluoroscopic study.


An X-ray study that uses barium sulfate and air as contrast medium to help with visualization of the interior of the colon.


Also known as a lower gastrointestinal tract series; an X-ray procedure that uses barium sulfate and sometimes air to outline the lining of the colon and rectum. Barium sulfate, a contrast medium, is administered rectally and held briefly inside the intestine while a series of X rays is taken. The barium is not penetrated by the X rays and appears white on an X-ray image, allowing abnormalities to show up as dark shapes along the intestinal lining. In an air-contrast, or double-contrast examination, air m ay also be pumped into the intestine to sharpen the outline of the intestinal wall.


An x-ray examination in which a radiopaque substance, namely a barium compound, is introduced into the bowel by enema, and in which a physician examines the bowel “in action” through a fluoroscope and also makes permanent records by taking x-ray films at appropriate times.


The use of barium sulfate solution as a contrast agent to facilitate x-ray and fluoroscopic examination of the colon. The examination may be used to screen patients for colon cancer or to identify other colonic lesions, such as diverticula or changes associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Because of the redundancy of the sigmoid colon, barium enema often is used in conjunction with another exam, such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, to improve its sensitivity. Careful preparation of the bowel with laxatives and enemas is critical to eliminate retained feces and improves visualization of the intestinal lumen.


In the domain of diagnostic procedures involving the examination of the bowel, a distinctive X-ray test is conducted subsequent to the administration of an enema comprising a peculiar white substance resembling chalk, known as barium. This substance serves the purpose of delineating and highlighting the intricate contours of both the colon and the rectum.


A diagnostic method in which barium sulfate, a substance that blocks X-rays, is introduced through the anus and permitted to move through the large intestine. This allows the radiologist to visualize the contour of the intestine on the X-ray display.


 


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