Lower gastrointestinal series

The barium enema is used to examine the colon radiologically. Here, a suspension of barium sulfate or a water soluble contrast agent is introduced into the colon. This is visible in the X-ray fluoroscopy.

The investigation is now rarely performed because a colonoscopy is more sensitive and also offers the possibility of removal of tissue pathological changes. In patients who can not be fully reflected, for example, as a result of constrictions, the study represents an alternative

Expiration

The patient should keep a low fiber diet during a preparation time of 2-3 days. On examination the day before only liquids to be drunk, but no fruit juices. In addition, the bowel is cleaned by drinking several liters of a laxative or rinse with a laxative. Before the examination is often a drug for intestinal relaxation administered ( hyoscine butylbromide ). Tranquilizers are usually not needed, since the examination is painless.

When examining contrast agent is first introduced into the intestine using a small finger-thick about intestinal tube. For complete opacification of the bowel, the patient is repositioned multiple times. Here, X -rays are taken under fluoroscopy. Depending on the problem, air is introduced in addition to the colon in double contrast display.

  • Imaging method (medicine)
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