Barium Enema

Air Contrast Study, Lower Gastrointestinal Series

Why It Is Done

A barium enema is done to:

• Identify inflammation of the intestinal wall that occurs in inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. A barium enema also may be used to monitor the progress of these diseases.
• Detect problems with the structure of the large intestine, such as narrowed areas (strictures) or pockets or sacs (diverticula) in the intestinal wall.
• Help correct a condition called ileocolic intussusception , in which the end of a child's small intestine protrudes into the large intestine.
• Evaluate abdominal symptoms such as altered bowel habits, anemia, or unexplained weight loss.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 30, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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