Is a barium enema examination painful?

Answer 1

It can be both painful and uncomfortable. Normally the prep the day before which causes diarrhea leaves you both irritated rectally and worn out physically. The nozzle that is inserted into your rectum is slightly smaller then a quarter in diameter. Even with a trained xray tech, the insertion hurts as your anus is forced to expand to get the nozzle about four or so inches inside of you. The doctors always tell you it is no big deal, until the nozzle is inserted. Then its "well yes, this is not a very pleasant exam."

Then a balloon that is rapped around the nozzle is expanded, making the pain even worse. The balloon is designed to keep the barium from leaking out as it is forced into your colon, using a a bag that is hung off of an IV stand about three feet above the table you are laying on. Liquid barium, unless it is an air contrast BE, can be up to 2500 ml, almost 3 quarts, which can cause a substantial amount of pressure. If an air contrast, less fluid is used but the air being pumped in creates more pain. Sometimes this will cause cramping but after the films are taken they release the clamp so everything can flow out of your bowels. Also, you are not just laying still, but are asked to roll from left to right and from supine to prone as they fill you and between the nozzle twisting inside of you And the pressure from filling your colon with barium, it is a lot to take in. You are then taken to the restroom for as long as you need to be there. Drink a lot of water after, barium can cause constipation!

Also be aware that many facilities do a prepatory glycerine enema to make sure you are clear before they do the BE itself.