We have received a request from your referring doctor for you to have a Barium Follow Through.  This web page is designed to give you some information about the procedure, to help you prepare for your examination and to give you some idea of what to expect when you attend.

A Barium Follow through is an X-ray examination of the small bowel, which links the stomach and large bowel.

If your appointment time is not convenient it is essential you contact the hospital department that you are attending immediately, (see above for appointments’ telephone numbers), so that a more appropriate time can be arranged.  This will enable us to reallocate valuable time to someone else.

It is important that your stomach is empty before the examination and therefore you will not be able to have any food or drink after midnight on the day before your examination. Printed instructions will be given to you with your appointment information. Please read these carefully.

Yes.  The preparation procedure may change. Please ring the appropriate help-line telephone number (as below) at the hospital you are attending and speak to a member of the medical staff who will advise you. 

·        Royal Victoria Infirmary - (0191) 282 4330

·        Freeman Hospital - (0191) 223 1012

For further information, please click on the link below to read/print the document about the protocols for diabetic patients.

'The Management of Diabetic Patients in Radiology'.

Yes - Metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet) is most commonly taken by diabetic patients to control blood sugar, but occasionally is taken for other conditions.

If you are taking Metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet), your preparation for the procedure may change.  Please ring the appropriate help-line telephone number, as above and speak to a member of staff, who will be able to advise you. 

A radiographer or nurse will ask you to undress and put on a hospital gown and dressing gown. You will be asked to drink some flavoured barium liquid to outline your small bowel. X-ray images will then be taken at regular intervals, as the barium liquid moves through your bowel.

No, an injection will not be necessary.

This varies greatly from patient to patient. The examination can last from two to six hours. It is advisable to bring something to keep you occupied.

We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day of our lives. Each X-ray examination gives us a small additional dose. This dose varies with each type of examination. Everything is done within the X-ray department to minimise this dose.  X-rays may be harmful to an unborn child, especially in the earlier stages of pregnancy.

There are no short-term side effects. However, in the few days after examination your stools may turn white. This is the barium working though your system, and is helped by drinking plenty of water.

Yes.

A report will be sent to the consultant or GP who requested for the examination to be carried out, within two weeks of your examination.

If you need an ambulance, you must ask your GP Surgery to arrange one, but you will need to give them three working days notice.  Please inform the department if you are arriving by ambulance as we will arrange your appointment time to fit with ambulance arrivals.