Definition

A barium enema, also known as a lower GI (gastrointestinal) exam, is a diagnostic test using x-ray examination to view the large intestine (colon and rectum). There are two types of this test: the single-contrast technique, in which barium sulfate solution is injected into the rectum to gain a profile view of the large intestine; and the double-contrast (or air contrast) technique, in which air and barium sulfate are injected into the rectum.

Purpose

A barium enema may be performed to assist in diagnosing or detecting:

• colon or rectal cancer (colorectal cancer)
• inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis
• polyps (small benign growths in the tissue...