• What is a lower GI series?
• What are the risks of a lower GI series?
• How does the patient prepare for a lower GI series, and how is it performed?
• How does the patient obtain the results of a lower GI test?
• Barium Enema At A Glance

What is a lower GI series?

A lower GI series, or barium enema, is an x-ray test in which a white liquid, called barium, is placed into the rectum and colon through the anus to enhance x-ray pictures of the large bowel (colon). These x-rays are used to define normal and abnormal anatomy of the colon and rectum. Colon and rectal abnormalities that can be detected include diverticulosis, diverticulitis, abnormal colon movement, dilation of the colon, polyps, and cancers of the colon and rectum.

What are the risks of a lower GI series?

Any x-ray test procedure involves some risk of radiation exposure. The radiation exposure is minimized by standard techniques which have been assigned and approved by national and international radiology committees and councils. All radiology technologists are certified by national certifying boards.

Women who are or may be pregnant should notify the doctor requesting the procedure and the radiology staff, as there is a potential risk of harm to the fetus with any radiation exposure.

How does the patient prepare for a lower GI series, and how is it performed?

Any internal or external materials that make an x-ray image less clear can interfere with the accuracy of a lower GI series. Therefore, before undergoing a lower GI (barium enema), it is important to eliminate as much fecal material from the colon and rectum as is possible. Prior to the examination, a clear liquid diet and cleansing enemas are often used to empty the colon. Occasionally, further medications that evacuate the bowel may be necessary. External materials such as extra clothing, metallic devices, or jewelry are removed prior to the test. A radiologist (a doctor specializing in the use and interpretation of x-rays) and a radiology technologist work together with the patient to perform the procedure.

A barium enema involves filling the colon and rectum with a white liquid material (barium). It is normal during the procedure to feel some fullness or mild discomfort in the abdomen. Subsequently, an x-ray machine is placed in front of the patient with a radiology film behind. The image is obtained by exposing the internal structures to the radiation, and the contrast of differences between the barium-filled structures and other structures of the body become apparent on the x-ray film. The x-ray film is then developed by the technologist and given to the radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist will also use a fluoroscope, an x-ray device on which the colon can be seen while the barium is flowing into the patient. Static images of the colon are then obtained on plain x-ray film. The procedure can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour depending on the problem being studied and the particular anatomy of the patient's colon. Air can also be instilled into the colon along with contrast material, to further define structures of the large bowel. Polyps and small cancers are more readily found using this technique (called an air contrast barium enema).

How does the patient obtain the results of a lower GI test?

After the x-ray films are developed by the radiology technologist, they are transmitted to the radiologist, who interprets the body structures visualized on the x-ray film. An interpretation and report of the barium enema is forwarded to the doctor who requested the test. The doctor can then review the results of the report with the patient. The actual films of the examination can also be sent to the practitioner if necessary.

Barium Enema At A Glance

• A lower gastrointestinal series (barium enema) is an x-ray test used to define the anatomy of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.
• Women who are or may be pregnant should notify the doctor requesting the procedure and the radiology staff.
• A lower gastrointestinal series involves filling the colon and rectum with a white liquid material (barium).

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