$Unique_ID{BRK00533}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Curious About the Reliability of a Barium Enema}
$Subject{enema barium colonoscopy cancer polyps cancers carcinoma neoplasm
neoplasms Special Procedures procedure Laboratory Tests test Digestive
cancerous tumors benign polyps inflammation pockets pouches diverticulosis
colonoscopies colon}
$Volume{P-12}
$Log{
Discussion of Colonoscopy*0002801.scf
The Colonoscope can View the Colon*0002802.scf
Diverticulosis*0010001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Curious About the Reliability of a Barium Enema


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QUESTION:  I am curious about the reliability of a barium enema in diagnosing
intestinal disease.  If all the stuff they put in you is a dye, how does that
tell the doctors where disease may be present?  What do they see on the x-rays
that permits them to arrive at any conclusions?

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ANSWER:  Although frequently referred to as a "dye", the truth is barium is a
substance that is not transparent to x-rays, and shows up as a white mass
filling the large intestines.  It provides a clear outline of the interior
surfaces of the colon and rectum, and can reveal the presence of growths, such
as cancerous tumors or benign polyps, and areas of inflammation, as well as
the small pockets or pouches that signify diverticulosis.  During the
procedure, the barium is allowed to flow out, but some still remains clinging
to the walls of the intestine to provide another view to the examining
radiologist, and help in diagnosing any pathology present.  The development of
colonoscopy, in which a flexible telescope-like instrument is used to view the
intestinal lining directly, has replaced the use of the barium enema in many
instances.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.