$Unique_ID{BRK01887}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Usefulness of Barium Enema}
$Subject{Barium Enema test tests testing lesion lesions cancer cancers
cancerous colorectal procedure procedures colonoscopy scoping colon
barium-enema barium-enemas enemas}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Colon*0001601.scf
Colonoscopic View of Colon Conditions*0002803.scf
Discussion of Colonoscopy*0002801.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Usefulness of Barium Enema


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QUESTION:  Though I have few symptoms to suggest that anything is very wrong,
my doctor is advising me to have a barium enema.  However, one of my friends
told me that there is little use for that test these days, and that a
"scoping" is the proper thing to have.  What do you say?  I think I would like
a "third" opinion, if you would be so kind.

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ANSWER:  Unless your friend is a doctor, it would seem to me that the best
advice would be coming from your own physician, who has collected all the
information about you.  It is the professional evaluation of this data that
has brought the doctor to encouraging you to proceed with the testing.  And
don't sell the barium enema short.  Statistics show that it may be sensitive
enough to discover as much as 94 percent of colorectal cancer lesions.  In
addition it is a very safe procedure, with few complications or side effects.
And if your insurance does not cover colorectal screening in a patient without
symptoms, you will be happy to know that the barium enema is about 1/3 the
cost of colonoscopy, the "scoping" that is used to see the inside of the
colon.  Without more to go on, this "third" opinion must reinforce the advice
of your doctor.

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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.