This exam is used to evaluate the colon, also called the large intestine, for blockage, inflammation, bleeding and lesions of the bowel wall such as polyps and tumors.

Preparation for the Exam
No preparation is necessary.

During the Exam
Parents are usually allowed to stay in the X-ray room during the test. A pediatric technologist will discuss the procedure with children who are old enough to communicate. Age-appropriate language will be used to explain the exam.

Your child will be changed into a gown and will lie on the fluoroscopy table. A small tube will be placed in the rectum. Barium will flow through this tube into the colon by gravity. Your child may be rolled into different positions in order to help the flow of the contrast. Your child will then be rolled in different positions while the images are being obtained.

The enema can be uncomfortable because it makes the colon feel full, and your child may feel cramping. But the procedure moves quickly, and the tube is soon removed from the rectum. Your child will then be allowed to go to the restroom to empty his bowel.

Additional imaging may be obtained after he has gone to the restroom. If the additional imaging shows that a significant amount of the barium still remains in the colon, you may need to return the following day for additional imaging of the child. This exam takes 30 minutes to an hour.

After the Exam
Your child's stool may appear to be whitish in color for 48 hours to a week due to the barium. Barium can be constipating, so it is helpful for your child to drink plenty of liquids like juices, water, Kool-Aid or fruit punch (if the child is old enough for these) to help him or her pass the barium out of the colon.