This test is to see why you are having trouble pooing, or why you are having tummy pains.

Carl is having a barium enema today. He takes off his clothes and puts on a gown.  Mum puts on a heavy lead apron so that she can stay while the x-ray pictures are taken. They both watch Carl’s bowel on the x-ray television.

The x-ray doctor puts a small, soft tube into the hole in Carl’s bottom where he makes a poo. It doesn’t hurt at all. S/he then runs a special liquid, called barium, through the tube and into Carl’s colon. The colon is the place inside Carl’s tummy that holds the poo. The barium makes Carl feel quite full.

Some times a little air is puffed into the colon to help take better pictures. This makes you feel even fuller, just like a big balloon.    

Afterwards, Carl goes to the toilet to have a poo and gets rid of the barium and the air.  He makes a few rude noises!       

Parent Points

The test takes about 30 minutes. Even after your child has passed barium in the x-ray toilet, s/he will pass more little white balls of barium during the next few days. This is quite normal.

If s/he is constipated, try giving lots to drink (apple juice is very good) and fruit.

For further information, between 09:00-5:00hrs, Mon-Fri please contact:

Liz Hunter, Maryline Forraz, Judith Hosbson or any radiographer on -

0191 2824429.

Results

The results of this examination will be sent to your child's hospital consultant in the next 7-10 days, and s/he will contact you, either by appointment or letter.