HEALTH INSIGHTS

When Your Child Needs a Barium Enema

October 03, 2017

When Your Child Needs a Barium Enema

Child lying on side under X-ray machine. Healthcare provider is operating machine and looking at monitor.

A barium enema is an X-ray exam of the lower digestive tract (colon and rectum). This exam is used to find problems such as strictures (narrowing), blockages, or polyps (tissue growths). Barium contrast (a liquid that makes organs show more clearly on X-rays) is used during the exam. A barium enema takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Before the exam

Your child’s colon may need to be cleaned out before the exam. But sometimes no special preparation is needed. Follow all instructions given by the healthcare provider. These may include:

  • Have your child drink only clear liquids 24 hours before the exam.

  • Give your child a laxative, a suppository, or enema the night before and on the day of the exam, as instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • Don’t give your child anything to eat or drink 4 to 6 hours before the exam.

  • Talk with your healthcare provider if any medicines need to be given during this time. 

Let the technologist know

For your child’s safety, let the technologist know if your child:

  • Has allergies to medicines

  • Has allergies to iodinated contrast material

  • Has any health problems

  • Has had surgery

  • Is or may be pregnant

  • Is taking any medicines

During the exam

A barium enema is performed by a radiologist. This is a healthcare provider trained to use X-rays to test or treat patients. A radiology technologist may also assist with the exam:

  • You can stay with your child in the X-ray room. You’ll be given a lead apron to wear for your safety. Pregnant women aren’t allowed in the X-ray room.

  • Your child lies on an X-ray table.

  • Movement affects the quality of the results. If your child can’t stay still during the exam, he or she may be held down. In rare cases, your child is sedated or given anesthesia (medicines to make your child relax or sleep). The healthcare provider will tell you more about this if needed.

  • The radiologist begins by taking an X-ray of your child’s stomach, including the colon.

  • Then your child lies on the side as the radiologist inserts the tip of an enema tube into the rectum. Barium flows through this tube and fills the colon. Tape may be used to keep the enema tube in place.

  • Live X-ray images (fluoroscopy) are viewed on a screen as the barium moves through your child’s colon.

  • Your child may need to roll over, shift positions, or take deep breaths and hold them while X-rays are taken.

  • Once the enema tube is removed, your child can go to the bathroom if needed.

  • The radiologist may take final X-rays of your child’s empty colon before the exam is complete.

After the exam

Here is what to expect:

  • Your child may need to return to the hospital the next day for more X-rays. This often happens if your child doesn’t have a bowel movement at the end of the exam.

  • Unless told not to, your child can return to his or her normal routine and diet right away. But make sure your child drinks plenty of water. Water helps relieve constipation that may occur after the exam.

  • Your child’s stool may appear chalky white or light for 1 to 2 days due to the barium. If no barium is passed within 24 hours, call the healthcare provider.

  • The radiologist may discuss early results with you after the exam. A report is given to your child’s healthcare provider, who follows up with complete results.

Helping your child prepare

You can help your child by preparing him or her in advance. How you do this depends on your child’s needs:

  • Explain that the radiologist will be testing the colon and rectum. Use brief and simple terms to describe the exam. Younger children have shorter attention spans, so do this shortly before the exam. Older children can be given more time to understand the exam in advance. 

  • As best you can, describe how the exam will feel. There may be some cramping and discomfort. Your child may also feel the urge to use the bathroom during the exam.

  • Allow your child to ask questions.

  • Use play when helpful. This can involve role-playing with a child’s favorite toy or object. It may help older children to see pictures of what happens during the exam. 

Possible risks and complications of a barium enema

These include the following:

  • Allergic reaction (such as hives, itching, or wheezing) to barium

  • Constipation and bowel obstruction due to retained barium

  • Perforation (rare)

  • Radiation exposure from X-rays

  • Reaction (such as headaches, shivering, and vomiting) to sedative or anesthesia

Updated:  

October 03, 2017

Sources:  

Constipation in infants and children: Evaluation. UpToDate.

Reviewed By:  

Bass, Pat F. III, MD, MPH,Grossman, Neil, MD