Definition

Noun: 1. A medical diagnostic procedure: A barium enema is a type of medical examination in which a liquid contrast agent containing barium sulfate is introduced into the colon through the rectum. This agent coats the lining of the large intestine, allowing it to be seen clearly on X-ray images. The procedure is used to detect abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, inflammation, or structural changes in the colon and rectum.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor ordered a barium enema to investigate the cause of the patient's persistent abdominal pain.
  • Before a barium enema, patients must follow a strict diet and use laxatives to cleanse the colon.
  • The radiologist reviewed the X-rays from the barium enema and identified a small polyp.

Advanced Usage

• "To undergo a barium enema": This is the standard phrase for describing a patient's experience of having this procedure.
  • The patient had to undergo a barium enema as part of the diagnostic workup.

Variants and Related Words

• Lower GI series: This is a common alternative name for a barium enema examination.
• Contrast enema: A more general term that includes procedures using barium or other contrast media.
• Barium swallow: A related diagnostic procedure where barium is swallowed to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, and small intestine), as opposed to the lower tract.

Synonyms

• Lower gastrointestinal radiography: A formal, descriptive synonym.
• Double-contrast enema: A specific type of barium enema where both barium and air are used to provide more detailed images of the colon lining.

Related Phrases

• "Prep for a barium enema": Refers to the process of bowel cleansing required before the procedure.
  • The most difficult part of the test was the prep for the barium enema.

Noun

1. enema in which a contrast medium (usually barium sulfate) is injected into the rectum and X-rays are taken to search for lesions