Where: |  | You will report to the Radiology registration area on the 1st floor of Cobb Tower, Oconee Regional Medical Center with your doctor’s order. Please report to registration 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. |
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Purpose : | | The barium enema is a diagnostic study of the large intestine. By using barium as a highlighter, the radiologist can study the condition and functioning of your large intestine. This test may also be performed with gastrografin instead of barium. |
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Preparation: | | If you are a woman of childbearing age and there is a chance you may be pregnant, please consult your physician before scheduling this exam. Medications can be taken prior to your test. Pills should be taken with just a small amount of water, early in the morning.
You should not take insulin if you are fasting for your exam. However you should bring your insulin with you so you can take it after the exam. Also, when making your appointment, tell the scheduler if you are diabetic and request an appointment time early in the day.
NO FOOD OR LIQUIDS are to be taken after midnight the day before the exam.
A few days before your procedure, you should come to the radiology department and pick up a Fleet’s Barium Enema Prep Kit or you may purchase one at any local pharmacy. Follow the instructions for the 24-hour preparation. |
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Procedure: | | When you arrive for your appointment, a technologist will show you to a changing room. You will be asked to change into the exam gown provided. When you’re ready, the technologist will escort you to the x-ray room and will help you onto the examination table. You will be positioned so that an enema tip can be inserted into your rectum. Once the tube is in place, the technologist will administer barium into your large intestine via the enema tube. Throughout this process, the radiologist will take several x-rays. When the large intestine is completely filled with barium, another series of x-rays will be taken. Throughout the study, the technologist will ask you to assume various positions so that your large intestine can be x-rayed from all sides. Before the final x-ray, the technologist will help you to a nearby bathroom so that you can expel as much of the barium as possible. If the exam is with air contrast, the radiologist will also administer air into the large intestine via the enema tube.  |
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After Care: | | To avoid constipation after the procedure is over; you will be given a laxative and asked to drink plenty of fluids. However, do not do this if you are on a fluid restriction diet.
The radiologist’s report of the results will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you.
Please call (478) 454-3810 (radiology) if you have additional questions. |
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Reviewed: | | 11/12/2008
Copyright 2008, Oconee Regional Medical Center
821 N. Cobb Street Milledgeville, GA 31061, (478) 454-3505 |