Question 1

the barium enema test is very rough for me.  do i have a right to a colonoskopy instead? do they have the right to deny my operation if i deny the be?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: Generally speaking a colonscopy is a better examination, since if you find something (a growth) it can be biopsied or totally removed at that time.  Yes, the surgeon wants to know what he is dealing with. And he can deny a operation if you have an inadequate work-up leading up to the surgery. If you have anesthesia sedation, the colonoscopy should be very well tolerated.

Question 2

what exactly is a barium enema?

Accepted Answer

Placing radiopaque: Dye into the colon via the rectum.

Question 3

how long does barium enema take?

Accepted Answer

Barium enema: About 20 minutes. Usually wothless procedure.

Question 4

what does a barium enema look for?

Accepted Answer

Anatomy: Mostly it is used to study the anatomy of the lower intestine. If there is narrowing or widening of any area or if there is a suspicious looking mass in  the lower intestine, this would allow your doctor to decide what the next best test or treatment should be.

Question 5

how is a barium enema generally done?

Accepted Answer

Barium Enema: Prior to the procedure a bowel prep is consumed +/- enemas. In the radiology suite, a lubricated nozzle is inserted into the rectum and barium is introduced. Films are taken. You may be moved around on the table to get good views. Air can be used to inflate the colon to obtain better resolution. This can be uncomfortable.

Question 6

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 7

what are the common reasons for a barium enema?

Accepted Answer

Not many: Less sensitive and specific than other tests, like colonoscopy, ct colonography (virtual colonoscopy), barium enemas aren't done much anymore.  Can be helpful treating a condition called volvulus (sigmoid colon flips over on itself, causes a usually incomplete bowel obstruction).

Question 8

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 9

what should i expect after the barium enema procedure?

Accepted Answer

Lots of barium: Barium will act as a laxative.   Stay near a toilet.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: barium enema?

Accepted Answer

This is: A radiology exam that at looks the colon by giving barium (sometimes with air) through a rectal tube. This exam looks at the colon for certain diseases.

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What is so rough about a barium enema

A member asked:

The barium enema test is very rough for me. do i have a right to a colonoskopy instead? do they have the right to deny my operation if i deny the be?

A member asked:

What exactly is a barium enema?

A member asked:

How long does barium enema take?

A member asked:

What does a barium enema look for?

A member asked:

How is a barium enema generally done?

A member asked:

How much do barium enema testing cost?

A member asked:

What are the common reasons for a barium enema?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

What should i expect after the barium enema procedure?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: barium enema?

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