Barium Enema (Colon Exam)
What you and your child can expect
When your child is scheduled for a radiology test, both you and your child may have questions about it. We encourage parents to read this information, then talk about the test with their child.
What is a barium enema?
This test helps determine how the large intestine functions. The large intestine includes the colon and the rectum (where the stool is kept before excretion).
How is the test performed?
A technologist will ask your child to put on a hospital gown. The technologist will bring you and your child into an examination room. You will see a large table and an X-ray camera hooked up to a television screen. The technologist will ask your child to lie on the table. Then the technologist may take an initial X-ray. If not pregnant, you may stay with your child during the exam.
The technologist or radiologist will ask your child to lie on his side and pull his knees up close to the stomach. A lubricated catheter will be placed into your child's rectum. This will feel like a rectal thermometer. In most cases, the catheter is about the size of a juice box straw. The more relaxed your child is, the more comfortable this part of the test will be.
The tube is connected to a bag of contrast, a material that makes it possible to view the colon. The radiologist will let some of the contrast pass through the tube into your child's rectum and colon. As the radiologist watches the television screen, he will stop and start the flow of contrast. To get a better view, the doctor may push on your child's abdomen, or ask your child to change positions. Your child may soon feel a strong urge to move his bowels. Your child will be asked to hold it and take long, deep breaths through the mouth, to help relax. It is important for your child to remain still while X-rays are taken.
After the radiologist and technologist have taken several X-rays, your child can go to the bathroom. After he has had a bowel movement, the technologist will take a few more X-rays of the large intestine (this time, without the barium). Once the radiologist has checked to make sure the X-rays are adequate and complete, you may leave the facility. A report will be sent to your child's doctor.
How do I tell my child about this test?
Because you know your child best, explain this test to your child in a way that he will understand before you come to Children's. The staff also will explain the procedure to you and your child before and during the test.
Will it hurt?
For many children, the most important thing to know is whether or not this test will hurt. Assure your child that although there may be some discomfort, it will only last a few minutes. Remind your child that this test is being done to help the doctor find out how her body is working inside. By talking about the test with your child, you may help her be more comfortable during the test, which will make the procedure easier for your child and you.
Does my child have to do anything different before the test?
Usually you can maintain your child's routine eating, sleeping, and medicine schedules. Your child's doctor or a Children's staff member will tell you if your child needs any special preparation. The test itself takes 30 to 60 minutes.
The barium enema test does not require sedation. If your child is scheduled for an air contrast barium enema, call the hospital's radiology department for before-test instructions.
Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
What can my child expect after the test?
After the exam, your child might experience nausea. This is normal. Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids and resume normal activity.
General radiology requirements
- Pregnant mothers: Women who are pregnant can't be in the exam room. They must have a family member or friend over the age of 18 accompany their child into the examination room during the exam (with the exception of the ultrasound and nuclear medicine rooms).
- Family or friends under the age of 18 years old: If you are not the patient and under the age of 18 years old you will not be allowed to remain in the radiology exam room during the exam.
- Siblings: Siblings are not allowed in the radiology room while the exam is being performed (with the exception of the ultrasound rooms). Please make arrangements to have an adult accompany them in the waiting room.
- Attire: Children wearing clothing with snaps or buttons will need to change into hospital attire. Any item such as jewelry, undergarments with metal, or EKG patches in affected area will be removed prior to the exam.
Barium enemas do not require sedation.