A radiographic exam that allows us to properly X-ray the large intestine and colon. This procedure is especially valuable as a screening tool for patients who have a family history of colon cancer. It’s also helpful in diagnosing certain diseases or conditions for patients who are experiencing unexplained weight loss, changes in their bowel habits, pain, anemia, or bleeding.

A barium enema can provide information about the large intestine or colon that will help diagnose certain diseases or conditions in those patients that are experiencing changes in their bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, pain, anemia or bleeding. A barium enema can also be a valuable screening tool for patients with a family history of colon cancer

When you arrive in the facility the technologist or RPA (radiologist physicians assistant) will ask you some questions regarding your medical history and symptoms. A single abdomen X-Ray will be taken prior to the radiologist beginning the procedure. A radiologist and a technologist will administer the barium rectally through a small catheter. The barium solution will fill the large intestine so that it can be seen on X-ray.

The enema itself will take about twenty minutes. However, you should allow extra time for preparation and for X-rays of the colon to be taken by the technologist ? about one hour in total.

Your doctor may order a barium enema to evaluate for diseases of the colon such as ulcers, benign polyps, cancer, or inflammation. It may also be performed as a screening examination for cancer in asymptomatic individuals over the age of 50. The procedure is frequently requested on patients suffering from chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome.

A Radiologist, a specially trained doctor experienced in GI studies and other radiology examinations, will study the images and send a signed report with his or her interpretation to your primary care doctor or referring doctor. It will be your primary care doctor or the referring doctor who will inform you of your test results.

Prior to your exam, your technologist will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history, and answer any questions that you may have. The procedure will begin with an X-ray of your abdomen. Next, a small catheter is inserted into the rectum and the barium solution is administered, filling the large intestine. During the procedure, you will be asked to change your position or hold your breath so certain images can be taken. The exam is considered moderately uncomfortable.

Yes. Our state-of-the-art Digital Fluoroscopy unit allows us to perform fluoroscopy studies using the highest resolution and image quality at lower doses of radiation. We can also adjust the brightness and contrast of the images on screen, thus limiting repeated exposures to the patient. If you are pregnant, (or think you might be), please inform our staff prior to your exam.

A barium enema is a radiology test to evaluate the large intestine (or "colon") for the presence of disease. A specially trained doctor known as a Radiologist performs this test in the Radiology department. The Radiologist carefully instills a contrast material (barium liquid) into the rectum, and uses a precisely measured low dose of radiation (fluoroscopy) to view the colon in real-time.

With prep and x-rays, the entire exam lasts about an hour. The enema itself takes about twenty minutes.

Within the medical community there is general agreement that the benefits of performing the tests far outweigh the small amount of radiation associated with these studies. Scientific advances allow for better images with lower doses of radiation. We continually upgrade our equipment to provide the latest technology and adhere to a strict monitoring and quality assurance program for all equipment.

Please call our office at (203) 838-4886 to arrange to pick up a bowel cleansing kit and a schedule with additional instructions. We encourage you to use the kit that we provide, but if you are not able to pick up this kit at our office, you can purchase a Fleet Prep Kit # 1 (not to be confused with a fleet enema) at your pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the package for the 24-hour prep and eat lightly for 24 hours prior to the examination.

Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to receive a examination. In addition, some insurance carriers or HMO’s require a precertification. Please discuss this with your doctor and your insurance company or HMO prior to your test.

This is a chalky flavored liquid which outlines various parts of the digestive tract on an X-ray. It can be used to study the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. It can be used as an enema to study the large bowel. It is inert and is not absorbed by the body.

The ?juva program goes a long way to remove tremendous amounts of toxins and wastes from the body. However, due to poor diet, lack of tone in the intestines, blockages and lack of peristaltic action, the intestines may sometimes need a little more help in the form of an enema. Cleaning the lower intestines with the pure water of an enema can definitely help remove even more wastes and blockages. In summary, enemas may not be necessary, but they are often very helpful.