Western Baptist Hospital provides patients with information on what to expect when undergoing a barium enema.

What is a Barium Enema?

A barium enema is a diagnostic procedure that uses a contrast agent called barium and x-rays to obtain pictures of your lower gastrointestinal tract. If you are receiving an air contrast barium enema, air will also be used as a second contrast agent. These exams can detect problems within your lower digestive system, including the large intestine (large bowel), colon and rectum. The exam can help your doctor identify problems with minimal risk and discomfort to you.

How Do I Register for the Exam?

Western Baptist Hospital's Express Check program makes registering for outpatient tests in our Diagnostic Imaging department fast and easy. To take advantage of the program, follow these simple steps:

1. As soon as your physician schedules your barium enema, call our pre-registration area at (270) 575-2979. Pre-registration clerks are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to take your phone call. Even if you are scheduled for a test or procedure the same day, it is still to your advantage to call ahead to begin the registration process.
2. Be ready to provide the registration clerk with the following information:
   • your medical record number, if you are familiar with it and you have registered at Western Baptist before;
   • your date of birth;
   • your social security number;
   • your home address;
   • the specific tests or procedures the physician has ordered; and
   • your insurance card.
3. If the clerk is able to complete your paperwork in this phone call, he or she will tell you that you are eligible for Express Check.
4. When you prepare to come to the hospital, make sure you bring your physician orders and your insurance card with you.
5. When you arrive at Western Baptist, proceed directly to the Express Check receptionist, who will copy your insurance card, have you sign a consent form and send you to Diagnostic Imaging.

You may also pre-register online by clicking here.

If you do not take advantage of the Express Check program, plan to arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete the registration process.

How Do I Prepare for the Exam?

Your doctor will provide you with instructions for preparing for the examination. Two or three days before the exam, you will be instructed to eat a "low residue" diet consisting of liquids, low-fat and finely-crushed foods.

You will be asked to drink only clear liquids the night before the exam and to refrain from drinking or eating anything after midnight the night before the exam.

Your doctor will prescribe a strong laxative to clear your lower tract the day before the exam. For the exam to be successful, your lower digestive tract must be completely empty. Any residue will show up on the x-rays and could be mistaken for an abnormality in the colon or rectum.

What Will the Exam Be Like?

The barium enema will be performed by a radiologist or the radiology physician's assistant. These professionals specialize in the study of imaging tests such as ultrasound and x-rays to assure the most accurate results for your exam.

When you arrive for your test, you will change into a hospital gown. Your technologist will gently position you on a special tilting table attached to a fluoroscope (an x-ray machine combined with a television screen). As you lie on your side, a lubricated enema tip will be inserted into your rectum and a liquid barium mixture will be released.

The barium mixture will be observed on the television screen as it flows through your colon. (For air contrast barium enemas, air will also be released into the colon along with the barium.) As the barium fills your colon, you may feel like you need to move your bowel. Let the technologist know if you are having trouble holding the barium. You will be asked to turn from side to side and hold several different positions. After the series of x-rays is completed, you will go to the bathroom to expel the barium. You will have an additional x-ray taken after the barium has been expelled.

What Happens After the Exam?

After the exam, you may be free to return to your normal activities and usual diet unless told otherwise by your physician. It is normal for the barium to give a whitish color to your stool for a day or two.

Barium may cause constipation. You will need to increase your water intake and maybe take a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia. If you have trouble with constipation normally, you should consult your physician.

After your study is completed, the radiologist will interpret your films and send a written report to your physician.

Important Information

Inform the technologist if you may be pregnant. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, a pregnancy test will be ordered before the exam.

If you have questions about your bill, please call Patient Accounts at the appropriate number listed in our phone directory. The radiologist's bill is separate from the hospital's.

For More Information

For more information on Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging services, please call (270) 575-2600.

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