At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, we provide barium enema procedures to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract. Our skilled medical team and advanced imaging technology ensure accurate assessments, enabling effective treatment planning for our patients.

Procedure:

• Preparation: Before the procedure, patients are required to follow specific dietary restrictions and may need to take a laxative or enema to clear the colon. This ensures optimal imaging results by minimizing fecal matter in the colon.
• Barium Administration: During the procedure, a radiologist administers a contrast medium called barium into the rectum through a small tube. Barium is a thick, chalky liquid that coats the lining of the colon, enhancing its visibility on X-ray images.
• Imaging: After the barium is administered, X-ray images (fluoroscopy) are taken while the patient undergoes various position changes. The radiologist observes the flow of barium through the colon, identifying any abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, inflammation, or strictures.
• Dynamic Evaluation: Barium enema allows for a dynamic evaluation of the colon’s anatomy and function, providing valuable insights into conditions affecting the large intestine.

Benefits:

• Non-Invasive: Barium enema is a non-invasive procedure that does not require sedation or anesthesia, making it suitable for patients of all ages.
• Comprehensive Assessment: Barium enema provides detailed images of the colon, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulosis, or polyps.
• Real-Time Imaging: Fluoroscopic imaging during the procedure allows for real-time visualization of the barium’s flow through the colon, enabling the detection of functional abnormalities or structural defects.

Diagnostic Applications:

• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Barium enema is used for colorectal cancer screening, detecting abnormal growths such as polyps or tumors in the colon.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): It helps diagnose and evaluate the extent of inflammation in conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Diverticular Disease: Barium enema can identify diverticula (small pouches) in the colon, which may become inflamed or infected in diverticulitis.
• Colonic Polyps: The procedure aids in the detection and characterization of colonic polyps, which may be precursors to colorectal cancer.

 

How long does a barium enema take?

The barium enema procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, including preparation and imaging. Patients may need to remain still during the imaging process to obtain clear pictures.

 

Is barium enema safe?

Barium enema is generally considered safe, with minimal risk of complications. However, patients should inform the healthcare team of any allergies or medical conditions before the procedure.

 

Can I eat or drink after a barium enema?

After the procedure, patients may resume their regular diet and activities unless instructed otherwise by the healthcare provider. It’s essential to stay hydrated to help eliminate the barium from the digestive system.

 

What can barium enema diagnose?

Barium enema is used to diagnose various conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticular disease, and colonic polyps.

 

Are there any risks associated with barium enema?

While barium enema is generally safe, rare complications may include allergic reactions, aspiration of barium, or bowel perforation. The healthcare team will discuss any potential risks and benefits of the procedure with you beforehand.