Barium enema

Barium enema is X-ray examination of colon and rectum, which permits to identify localization of lesion, detect diverticulitis (intestinal wall protrusions) and evaluate functional colon condition.

Barium enema is safe and very informative X-ray examination. First group of imagines are made (phase of filling), when bowel is full of barium (barium is moved in colon by enema). Second group of imagines are made (phase of evacuation) after defecation. This way, imagines allowed detecting organic (tumors, diverticulitis, toxic dilatation, colon and rectal strictures) and functional (spastic, a- and hypotonic colitis) disorders.

Barium enema is indispensable method of inflammatory bowel diseases (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn`s disease) examination. Some symptoms (diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, slim) also require barium enema to exclude or detect organic disease (colon cancer, Ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis ecc.

Patients with functional constipation should be checked by barium enema before hidrocolonoterapy treatment to objectify effectiveness of therapy.

Read here: Preparation for barium enema