Barium Enema

Radiology Terms and Definitions

Air Contrast Barium Enema is used to take pictures of your digestive system. Below is information on the procedure. The barium enema is done in the Radiology Department of the Children's Hospital. A radiologist will take x-rays of the lower part of your digestive system called the colon.

• A technologist will ask you to take off all your clothes except for your shoes and socks.
• A hospital gown will be given to you which ties up in the back. You and your parents will be taken into an x-ray room where you will see a TV screen and a table with a big camera.
• You will also see a plastic bag full of white liquid called barium hanging on a pole at the end of the table.
• A plastic tube will be connected to the bag.
• The technologist will ask you to get up on the table and lie on your left side with your knees pulled up close to your stomach. The tube which is connected from the barium bag will gently be slid into your anus and taped to your behind so it won't come out.
• Don't worry though because the tube will be very slippery so it will feel just like a thermometer and mommy and daddy will be with you during the entire test.
• During the time the pictures are being taken, the lights will be turned down so the doctor can see the TV screen better.
• The doctor will let the barium slowly run down the tube and into your colon.
• Pictures will be taken with you on your side, your back and even on your stomach.
• We want to take good pictures of your best side so you must lie very still so the x-rays don't come out blurry.
• After a while, you will begin to feel very full like when you are on a car trip and there aren't any gas stations around. Take deep breaths through your mouth and it will make you feel better.
• After the doctor has taken all of the pictures he wants, the technologist will take a picture with the other camera. Then you can finally go to the bathroom.
• After you have sat in the bathroom for a while (it is very important to get rid of the barium), the technologist will take you back in the x-ray room for one last picture.
• After that you can go home. The entire test from start to finish should only take about 45 minutes.
• Don't forget to ask for a special sticker which we give to all of the boys and girls who have had their pictures taken.

Paediatrics Department of Radiology
Radiology Standing Orders for Barium Enema

Please follow preparation below:

Up to 2 years:

No preparation.

2 - 6 years:

• Low residue meal the day before and morning of examination.
• Take one Bisacodyl tablet (5 mg) - whole - with water before going to bed.
• A paediatric Fleet Enema should be given early in the morning on the day of exam; available from drug store without prescription.

6 - 15 years:

Same preparation as for 2 - 6 years, but take two Bisacodyl tablets (5 mg) - whole - with water before going to bed.