Barium enema bowel: what is it?

Barium enema bowel: what is it?

The intestine is an organ that is responsible for the absorption of all nutrients from food and the transportation of human waste. It has a complex structure and consists of several departments: the small and large intestines. They, in turn, are divided into the following parts:

  1. The duodenum, through which food from the stomach moves further;
  2. The small intestine, where the process of digestion and absorption of all useful components and compounds that were contained in food takes place;
  3. A valve that passes unnecessary waste to the next department;
  4. The large intestine, where fecal masses are formed;
  5. The rectum, through which all waste is removed from the body.

Any violation of the functioning of this process can lead to serious complications that can negatively affect the overall condition of the entire human body. To diagnose the problem in time, specialists perform an intestinal irrigoscopy, which allows you to see the cause and eliminate it.

Intestinal irrigospocopy is a study using X-rays. To perform the procedure, the patient is injected with a contrast solution of barium, after which a picture is taken.

This type of analysis is carried out in order to check for pathologies or deformities of the intestinal structure, as well as to identify neoplasms or other characteristic diseases for this organ. The procedure does not require surgical intervention or the introduction of special sensors into the body. This is a fairly simple study that does not cause discomfort to the patient.

What functional abnormalities can the procedure detect?

There are two types of research that are aimed at identifying problems in the small and large intestines. Bobrov's apparatus for irrigoscopy helps to carefully examine the colon and determine:

  • Problems with the operation of the valve;
  • Current condition, diameter, as well as indicators of elasticity and shape of the colon;
  • Quality and proper functioning of all parts of the intestine;
  • Are there any gastric pathologies;
  • Does the patient have an obstruction;
  • The condition of the inner shell, namely the presence of various types of deformities, such as scars, polyps, ulcers, cracks or tears;
  • Coherence of the bowel and adjacent organs;
  • The presence of tumors and diverticula (protrusion of the intestinal wall).

How is the study conducted?

Whether it is a study of the large or small intestine, the procedure itself is divided into two main stages. The first includes a survey X-ray of the lower abdominal cavity, and the other involves a survey involving a contrast barium solution.

During the first stage of diagnosis, the specialist determines whether there are pathologies that should be removed with the help of a surgeon's intervention. At this point, the patient is in a supine position. Then the doctor introduces barium, and after its spread in the intestinal cavity, pictures are taken.

When the patient is injected with the solution, he should lie on his left side, pressing his legs to his stomach, and his hands should be placed behind his back. After completing a series of images, the patient needs to empty the intestines, after which the specialist takes a new picture.

In the event that a person has suspicions of a benign or malignant formation, the doctor makes a double contrast. This means that after all the previous stages, air is pumped into the patient's rectum, after which additional images are taken.

There are some nuances that relate to the identification of problems in children. If necessary, a specialist can insert a special ultrasound sensor into the intestine to better assess the problem. If the diagnosis needs to be carried out to the baby, then all stages of the procedure will take place under the influence of anesthesia.

Indications and contraindications for the barium enema

The attending physician has grounds to prescribe a study:

  1. In the presence of non-specific ulcerative colitis in the patient;
  2. In case of suspected neoplasms;
  3. If there are likely to be problems with the mucous membrane;
  4. With the possibility of Crohn's disease. It implies destructive processes that lead to irreversible changes in the functioning of the intestine;
  5. In case of obstruction or suspected presence of a foreign object in the intestine;
  6. When the diagnosis of tuberculosis or specific congenital abnormalities called disease Resprung;
  7. If an injury or damage due to mechanical action is suspected.

Also, the procedure can be prescribed if the patient has blood or mucus in the feces, a causeless and sharp decrease in body weight, pain in the anal area or uncomfortable abdominal pain. Diagnosis is recommended for people who have regular problems with the stool in the form of diarrhea or constipation.

There are also contraindications to the procedure. These include problems with the cardiovascular system, infectious diseases that are accompanied by an increase in body temperature, swelling or inflammation of the brain, exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Also, it is absolutely impossible to conduct a study if the patient has an allergic reaction to the contrast agent. In this case, its entry into the abdominal cavity can cause complications and lead to deterioration of the patient's well-being.

In addition, irrigoscopy can not be done for people who are in a coma and pregnant women. Another contraindication is excessive violation of intestinal patency. In the presence of injuries and ruptures of the intestinal wall, the specialist cannot prescribe an X-ray diagnosis.

How should I eat before the procedure?

There are no strict rules that must be followed exactly. The most important thing is to stick to a diet and clean the intestines before diagnosis. Three days before the procedure, you should review your diet and exclude it from it:

  • Any fatty food;
  • Various types of smoked meats;
  • Bread and any bakery products;
  • Vegetables rich in fiber, such as cabbage, carrots and beets;
  • Fruits, namely apples, bananas, citrus fruits;
  • Any dairy products;
  • Sweets;
  • Legumes;
  • Heavy cereals (barley, oatmeal, millet);
  • Fast food and any of its derivatives (instant noodles, frozen semi-finished products, etc.).

Products that are included in the list are not able to digest quickly and lead to excessive gas formation. The last snack should be on the eve of the irrigoscopy, but not later than at six o'clock in the evening. Before the procedure, it is necessary to make an enema to cleanse the intestines of feces, as well as use drugs that will contribute to the process of defecation.