Lower Gastrointestinal Series

A lower gastrointestinal series, also called a barium enema, is a medical procedure used to examine and diagnose problems with the human colon . X-ray pictures are taken while barium sulfate fills the colon via the rectum.
Barium enemas are most commonly used to check bowel health; they can help diagnose and evaluate the extent of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Polyps can be seen, though not removed during the exam like with a colonoscopy— they may be cancerous. Other problems such as diverticulosis and intussusception can be found . An acute appendicitis or twisted loop of the bowel may also be seen.
In a healthy colon, barium should fill the colon uniformly and show normal bowel contour, patency, and position.