Radiology.uchicago.edu2

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE
SECTION OF GENERAL MEDICAL IMAGING
PATIENT EDUCATION

You are scheduled for a Double Contrast Barium Enema on

Please report to the Radiology Department in DCAM 1C 20 minutes before your appointment
time to register for the test.
ABOUT THE TEST
A barium enema, also known as a lower GI (gastrointestinal) exam, is a test usin to view
the large intestine (colon and rectum). Barium and air will be introduced into the colon during the
test. This test will help detect problems such as a blockage, a tumor, polyps, or other disorders of
the large intestine. This exam is frequently performed to help diagnose symptoms such as chronic
diarrhea, blood in stool, irritable bowel syndrome, unexplained weight loss, a change in bowel
habits, suspected blood loss and abdominal pain.
NOTE: If you suffer from diabetes or renal failure, you should not use magnesium citrate. Ask your
referring physician for a prescription for Golitely, or Colyte, both are bowel-cleansing medications,
you can purchase Golitely or Colyte at any pharmacy.

NOTE: If you are pregnant or think you, may be pregnant, please tell your primary care physician
PREPARATION FOR THE TEST
Purchase:
1. Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution Non-Colored (10 ounce size) 2. Dulcolax Laxative Tablets (minimum 4 tablets) 3. Dulcolax Suppository Day 1: Eat a light breakfast without butter. Begin a clear liquid fat-free diet at lunch that consists of clear fat-free soup, plain gelatin, clear juice, water, diet soda, black coffee (no sugar) or plain tea. Do not eat or drink any dairy products. Day 2: Continue clear liquid fat-free diet and begin bowel preparation. Drink the entire 10 ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate Drink at least 8 ounces of water each hour Drink at least 8 ounces of water each hour Do not eat or drink anything until after your test Page 1 of 2
6:00 AM Remove the Dulcolax suppository from its foil wrapper and insert it into your rectum. Be prepared to go to the bathroom in about 15 minutes. This will painlessly flush out any remaining bits of food. Remember to swallow nothing at all until after the exam.
DURING THE TEST
When you arrive in the department, you will need to complete the registration process. You will be
escorted to the dressing area to change. You will need to remove all of your clothes for the procedure
and put on a hospital gown. A technologist will confirm your identity and escort you to a procedure
room.
The radiologist will explain the test to you in detail before he begins. The doctor may give you an
injection of Glucagon, which will help prevent abdominal cramping. He/She will insert an enema tip into
your rectum and begin filling your colon with barium. The barium will allow your colon to be visible on
the x-ray. You will be asked to roll from side to side on the exam table so that the barium can coat your
entire colon. The radiologist will take several x-rays.
The barium will be drained from your colon through the tube that is attached to the enema tip and the
radiologist will introduce into your colon. This may cause you to feel full and/or uncomfortable. The
radiologist will take several more x-rays.
The radiologist will dismiss you after he/she has reviewed your images. The entire test will take
approximately 45 minutes.

AFTER THE TEST
You may resume your normal activities and diet after the test. It is important that you drink plenty of
fluids for three days after the test to help eliminate any remaining barium and to prevent
constipation. The radiologist will interpret your exam and provide a report to your doctor within 48
hours. If you have any questions about the procedure or cannot keep the appointment, please
contact the Department of Radiology at 773-702-6161.
Page 2 of 2

Source: http://www.radiology.uchicago.edu/sites/radiology.uchicago.edu/files/uploads/PtEducation/Barium%20Enema%20Double%20Contrast_0.pdf