A barium enema, or lower gastrointestinal (GI) examination, is
an X-ray examination of the large intestine (colon and rectum).
The test is used to help find problems that affect the large
intestine. To make the intestine visible on an X-ray picture,
the colon is filled with a white barium contrast material. The
contrast material is put through a tube placed in the anus. The
barium blocks X-rays, so the barium-filled colon shows up
clearly on the X-ray picture. A barium enema may be done to
check for the cause of rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
The test may help find diseases such as inflammatory bowel
disease and diverticulosis. A barium enema may also be used to
look for colon cancer. April 24, 2012 Adam Husney, MD - Family
Medicine & Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology How this
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