Lower GI X-Ray
Is an x-ray examination of the large intestine, also known as the colon. This examination evaluates the right or ascending colon, the transverse colon, the left or descending colon, the sigmoid colon and the rectum. The appendix and a portion of the distal small intestine may also be included.
Parameters defined during the test
- Localization of the contrast that meets the projection of a certain part of the digestive tract
- The time of the passage of barium in the small and large intestines
- Presence of liquid levels in the small and large intestines
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Unexplained vomiting
- Bowel movement changes
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual bloating
- To detect anatomical abnormalities
Your physician will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your lower GI imaging.
You should inform your physician of any medications being taken and if there are any allergies, especially to iodinated contrast materials. Also inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
On the day before the procedure you will likely be asked not to eat, and to drink only clear liquids like juice, tea, black coffee, cola or broth, and to avoid dairy products. After midnight, you should not eat or drink anything. For adults (but not usually in children), it is important that your colon be completely empty for the procedure. You may also be instructed to take a laxative (in either pill or liquid form) and to use an over-the-counter enema preparation the night before the examination and possibly a few hours before the procedure. Just follow your doctor's instructions. You can take your usual prescribed oral medications with limited amounts of water.
You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, removable dental appliances, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.
Women should always inform their physician and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation. If an x-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.
How the procedure is performed
The lower GI examination is usually done on an outpatient basis and is often scheduled in the morning to reduce the patient's fasting time.
A radiology technologist and a radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, guide the patient through the barium enema.
The patient is positioned on the examination table and an x-ray film is taken to ensure the bowel is clean. After performing a rectal examination, the radiologist or technologist will then insert a small tube into the rectum and begin to instill, using gravity, a mixture of barium and water into the colon. Air may also be injected through the tube to help the barium thoroughly coat the lining of the colon. In some circumstances, the radiologist or referring physician may prefer a water and iodine solution rather than barium. Next, a series of x-ray images is taken.
Once the x-ray images are completed, most of the barium will be emptied through the tube. The patient will then expel the remaining barium and air in the restroom. In some cases, additional x-ray images will be taken.
The procedure is usually completed within 30 to 60 minutes.
Abnormalities determined by Lower GI X-Ray
- Cancerous growths External NIH Link
- Diverticula
- A fistula
- Polyps
- Ulcers
- Critical condition of the patient
- Terminal stage of bowel obstruction
- Bowel obstruction complicated by peritonitis