Colon contrast enema
The colonic enema is used to examine the colon radiographically . A barium sulfate suspension or a water-soluble contrast medium is introduced into the colon . This becomes visible in the X-ray fluoroscopy .
The examination is rarely carried out nowadays, as a colonoscopy is more sensitive and also offers the possibility of tissue removal of pathological changes. In patients who z. B. can not be fully reflected due to constrictions, the examination is an alternative.
procedure
The patient should follow a low-fiber diet for 2 to 3 days of preparation time. On the day before the examination, only liquids should be drunk, but no fruit juices. In addition, the intestines are cleaned by drinking several liters of a laxative rinse solution or with a laxative. A drug to relax the bowel ( butylscopolamine ) is often given before the examination . Sedatives are usually not required as the exam is painless.
During the examination, contrast medium is first introduced into the intestine using an intestinal tube about the size of a little finger. The patient is repositioned several times to completely contrast the intestine. X-rays are made under fluoroscopy. Depending on the question, air is also introduced to display the intestine in double contrast.