What is a Lower GI Series?

Why a Lower GI Series (Barium Enema)?

The purpose of a barium enema is to demonstrate the anatomy and morphology of the large intestine. The large intestine frames the abdomen and is divided into six sections. These include the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon, and cecum.

A barium enema may be performed for a variety of reasons, including abdominal pain or a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, as well as a change in the caliber (size) of the stools. This exam is also requested when parasites, blood, mucus, or pus are found in the stools. Occult (hidden) blood found in the stools and anemia may be an indication of intestinal bleeding due to ulcers, inflammatory disease, or a cancerous lesion. Doctors may also order this exam as a screening tool for patients with a history of polyps (pre-cancerous growths extending outward from a mucous membrane) or a family history of colorectal cancer.

A barium enema may also be requested when the large intestine was not completely visualized during a colonoscopy (examination of the large intestine with a fiber-optic tube) or when a sigmoidoscopy is done, which only partially visualizes the colon. Sometimes a barium enema may be used as a treatment for intussusception (telescoping of one section of the bowel into another causing obstruction). This is a rare disorder occuring most often in young children, but when it occurs immediate action must be taken.

A barium enema may also be done to evaluate the remaining colon on colostomy patients. The barium is injected into the stoma (external drainage opening in the abdominal wall) instead of the rectum. A barium enema may be done if obstruction, perforation, or fistula formation is suspected.
 

Having an enema is nothing to be afraid of.  Click the picture to see a demonstration of an enema being administered with an old fashioned single contrast barium enema nozzle.

Click here if you've had a barium enema.

Enter your search terms Submit search form

Dr. Fish Presents: How to Administer an Enema

Have you ever wanted to know the best way to administer an enema?  This one hour DVD gives you important information about how to administer and enema or what to expect if you are going to get one.  Watch while the model talks you through the process of administering an enema to yourself and then go to the clinic with her where Dr. Fish administers an enema in the sims position using a regular nozzle, and the knee chest position using an inflatable nozzle.  This DVD is full of important information that will help your enema experience be safe and as comfortable as possible.