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Before the barium enema, the diet is restricted to enable the bowel to be completely cleared of residue, otherwise the examination is not effective. Please contact our Clinic to arrange your preparation and appointment time.
Two days before examination
You must stop eating all fruits including: fruit yoghurts, nuts plus any food containing fruits.
One day before examination
No solid foods, no milk or milk products allowed. Drink only *approved clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
1. First dose:
5.00pm Mix sachet of ColonLYTELY with 1 litre of water. Over the next hour or so, drink a glassful of this solution every 10 to 15 minutes. If you feel nauseated or bloated, slow down and drink a glassful every 20 minutes, until it has been completed. You will have loose motions within 1 to 3 hours.
2. Second dose:
6.00pm Add the entire contents of ONE sachet of PICOLAX into a glassful (approximately 120mls) of chilled water. Stir until effervescence ceases. Drink the mixture gradually and completely.
This can be followed by as many glassfuls of water or *approved clear fluids as desired in order to satisfy thirst.
3. Third dose:
7.00pm Add the entire contents of ONE sachet of PICOLAX into a glassful (approximately 120mls) of chilled water. Stir until effervescence ceases. Drink the mixture gradually and completely. This can be followed by as many glassfuls of water or *approved clear fluids as desired in order to satisfy thirst. This prep may cause multiple bowel movements. It usually induces frequent, loose bowel movements within only 3 hours of taking a dose. Please remain within easy reach of toilet facilities. Some intestinal cramping is normal.
Drink only *approved clear fluids for dinner.
4. Day of examination
Morning Procedure. From midnight, sips of clear fluid can be taken to quench thirst.
Approved clear fluids:
- Water
- clear fruit juices (apple)
- jelly
- black tea or coffee (no milk)
- Bonox
- Lucozade
- barley sugar
- fruit cordials
- clear broth or clear bouillon.
Unless you are a diabetic, please have barley sugar, liquid glucose or some form of sugar drink during this preparation.
Individual responses to laxatives do vary.
During the Barium Enema you will be asked to lie on the x-ray table and a flexible lubricated enema tube is inserted into your back passage by the nurse and strapped into place with tape. The barium is then run slowly into the large bowel. The Doctor (Radiologist) watches the passage of the barium on a viewing screen. Often a small injection into one of the veins of your arm will be given to relax your bowel. This may cause temporary blurring of vision. You should not drive a car until your vision has returned to normal. Barium is run in, then air is added and this causes a "bubbling" sensation. It is important to retain the barium and air until the end of the examination. You will be placed in different positions on the x-ray table and x-ray images will be taken of the large bowel.
The whole examination usually takes approximately 30 minutes.
Barium passes quickly through the large bowel. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to remove it. You will be given a mild laxative to take home with you to overcome the constipating effect of the barium.
Your bowel actions may be white for some days following the procedure.
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