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Barium enema

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The barium enema is a double contrast radiological technique which is used to assess the anatomy of the large bowel and occasionally the terminal ileum.

The patient is prepared for a barium enema in the following manner:

  • low residue diet for three days prior to the procedure
  • laxatives 24 hr prior
  • bowel washout immediately prior

Air and barium are introduced rectally and radiographs are taken.

The barium enema is not reliable for diagnosis of rectal pathology.


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