What is a barium enema (Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Radiography)?

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. This study allows the Radiologist to study the colon in active motion, which is often the most effective way to view an abnormal or blocked large intestine.  more