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

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...

Be: You need to have a clean colon. Usually have GoLytely (polyethylene glycol) the evening before tomake sure there is no stool that can mask any abnormalities on the colon wall.