BARIUM ENEMA/PEDIATRICS

A Barium Enema is an examination of the colon (large intestine). The patient is asked to put on a hospital gown and to lie on an X-ray table. An enema tip will be inserted into the rectum. A radiologist will fluoroscopically monitor the flow of barium into the colon. It is imperative that the colon be fully distended. When the radiologist has finished, the technologist will take follow-up X-rays. These will be checked before the patient will be able to go to the restroom. One more X-ray will be taken after evacuation. After the films have been completed, the patient will be released. The examination will take approximately 1 hour. Your physician will receive a report in 5 to 7 days or, if necessary, a phone report on the same day.

Patients should drink plenty of liquids for 24 hours after the examination to help eliminate the barium.

Please follow the instructions below carefully.

CHILDREN AGE 0-2 YEARS:

• 1. No enemas.

• 2. Cereal the evening before the examination.

• 3. Nothing by mouth except water on the morning of the examination.

CHILDREN AGE 2-5 YEARS:

• 1. Light diet the night before the examination.

• 2. Child’s dose of Milk of Magnesia and a Pedi Fleet Enema the night before the examination.

• 3. Pedi Fleet Enema in the morning before the appointment.

• 4. Clear liquids only on the morning of the examination.

CHILDREN AGE 5-15 YEARS:

• 1. Low-residue diet the night before the examination.

• 2. Child’s dose of Castor oil after dinner the night before the examination. Pedi Fleet Enema if no results within 3 hours.

• 3. Pedi Fleet Enema the morning of the examination.

• 4. Nothing by mouth 4 hours before the appointment.

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT. IF YOU CANNOT KEEP THIS APPOINTMENT, OR NEED TO RESCHEDULE, PLEASE CALL (510)675-2778 (APPT).