Double-contrast barium enema

A double-contrast barium enema is a form of contrast radiography in which x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken using two forms of contrast to make the structures easier to see.[1] A liquid containing barium (that is, a radiocontrast agent) is put into the rectum. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that outlines the colon and rectum on an x-ray and helps show abnormalities. Air is also put into the rectum and colon to further enhance the x-ray.

Double-contrast barium enema
Medical diagnostics
Human intestinal tract, as imaged via double-contrast barium enema
Purposeradiography which uses 2 forms of contrast for better image

Double-contrast barium enemas are less invasive than a colonoscopy and have comparatively fewer issues in a viable large bowel.[2]

See also

References
  1. Cittadini, Giorgio (2012). Double contrast barium enema: The Genoa approach. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 5. ISBN 9788847022171.
  2. Stringer, David A.; Babyn, Paul S. (2000). Pediatric Gastrointestinal Imaging and Intervention. PMPH-USA. p. 38. ISBN 9781550090796.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the U.S. National Cancer Institute document "Dictionary of Cancer Terms".


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.