Question 1

i had a barium enema because of diverticulitis problems and haven't heard results. how long should i wait?

Accepted Answer

1-2 days.: Nowadays, radiologists typically interpret a study the same day as it is performed.  Assuming that your doctor may want to review the films with the radiologist, i think it is reasonable to wait one day, two days max.  Every office has a different practice:  are you sure they will call you with the results or do they need you to call them first?  When in doubt, it is best to call.

Question 2

how long does barium enema take?

Accepted Answer

Barium enema: About 20 minutes. Usually wothless procedure.

Question 3

how much do barium enema testing cost?

Accepted Answer

BE: You can call the hospital where you're having it done and they can tell you.

Question 4

i had a barium enema last week. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

A barium enema: Is a procedure performed in radiology under fluoroscopy. The radiologist fills the colon with barium and sometimes with air to look for polyps, masses, diverticular disease, and areas of narrowing.

Question 5

what will i feel or experience during the barium enema procedure?

Accepted Answer

Pain, bloating: For braium enemas, expect to feel some abd cramping or discomfort . Bloating may also occur. A lot depends on the extent of evaluation.

Question 6

are you required to make any special preparations before barium enema?

Accepted Answer

BE preparation: The radiologist will want to have your colon cleansed thoroughly before the procedure.
The exact type of preparation varies but the principle is the same.
Cleaning the colon will result in more accurate pictures.
If not cleaned, residual stool may obscure the real problem or lead to confusion that it may be a tumor/cancer...

Question 7

can you eat and drink after barium enema?

Accepted Answer

Yes: May get instructions for a laxative.  Barium is constipating.

Question 8

what is the difference between a barium enema and a sigmoidoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Imaging vs looking: A Barium Enema is performed by a radiologist by flowing contrast solution into the colon and then taking x-rays of the abdomen after the lining of the intestine has been coated.
Sigmoidoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist who uses a flexible scope and camera to look directly into the colon at the intestinal lining.

Question 9

my last barium enema test was somewhat tramautic, painful.  can i insist on a colonoskpy at this county hosp. instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes: As a patient, you have the right of refusing anything as long as you are informed of the potential risks of not having a test.  Also, if you are not comfortable with the physician or the location for that particular procedure, get another opinion, or discuss your concerns with that doc. More important than where done, is the experience of scoper and anesthiologist.   It should not be painful.

Question 10

what type of doctor can order a barium enema?

Accepted Answer

Many: A barium enema is a radiologic examination of the colon to look for defects, tumors and obstructions.  Barium salts block x-rays, coating the lining which gives a better view of the colon.  This can be ordered by your family doctor, a GI doctor, a surgeon, an er doctor, or a hospitalist.  It is performed and evaluated by a radiologist.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How long to wait after a barium enema with diverticulosis

A member asked:

I had a barium enema because of diverticulitis problems and haven't heard results. how long should i wait?

A member asked:

How long does barium enema take?

A member asked:

How much do barium enema testing cost?

A member asked:

I had a barium enema last week. what does this mean?

A member asked:

What will i feel or experience during the barium enema procedure?

A member asked:

Are you required to make any special preparations before barium enema?

A member asked:

Can you eat and drink after barium enema?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a barium enema and a sigmoidoscopy?

A member asked:

My last barium enema test was somewhat tramautic, painful. can i insist on a colonoskpy at this county hosp. instead?

A member asked:

What type of doctor can order a barium enema?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?