A lower GI series is a procedure in which a doctor uses x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to view your large intestine. The barium will make your large intestine more visible on an x-ray. Learn how lower gastrointestinal (GI) series can diagnose problems in your large intestine, how to prepare for the procedure, and what to expect afterwards.
Double Contrast Barium Enema - Using Positive and Negative Contrast
Image by Glitzy queen00
About
Dolichocolon case 1 3
Image by Jmarchn/Wikimedia
Dolichocolon case 1 3
Dolichocolon, in barium enema. 48-year-old woman.
Image by Jmarchn/Wikimedia
What Is Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Series?
A lower GI series is a procedure in which a doctor uses x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to view your large intestine. The barium will make your large intestine more visible on an x-ray.
The two types of lower GI series are
a single-contrast lower GI series, which uses only barium
a double-contrast or air-contrast lower GI series, which uses both barium and air for a clearer view of your large intestine
Does lower GI series have another name?
A lower GI series is also called a barium enema.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (4)
Hernia
X-rays image: Double Contrast Barium Enema depicting gas filled loop of colon trapped outside the normal peritoneal confines. This marks the entrance or exit of transdiafragmatic, colonic herniation.
Image by Nevit Dilmen (talk)
Drawing of the digestive tract with the colon, rectum, and anus labeled
A lower GI series uses x rays to help diagnose problems of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Barium Enema
Video by GABAY MEDICAL library/YouTube
Dolichocolon case 1 6
Dolichocolon, in barium enema. 48-year-old woman.
Image by Jmarchn/Wikimedia
Hernia
Nevit Dilmen (talk)
Drawing of the digestive tract with the colon, rectum, and anus labeled
NIDDK Image Library
4:16
Barium Enema
GABAY MEDICAL library/YouTube
Dolichocolon case 1 6
Jmarchn/Wikimedia
Barium Enema
Barium Enema
Also called: Lower GI Series
A barium enema, also called a lower GI series, is an x-ray exam used to help diagnose problems of the large intestine. To make the large intestine more visible on x-ray, the intestine is filled with a chalky liquid called barium.
Barium Enema
Also called: Lower GI Series
A barium enema, also called a lower GI series, is an x-ray exam used to help diagnose problems of the large intestine. To make the large intestine more visible on x-ray, the intestine is filled with a chalky liquid called barium.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
1
Your result is Negative.
A negative result means that there were no abnormalities found. Barium filled the colon evenly, showing normal bowel shape and position and no blockages.
Related conditions
A barium enema is an x-ray exam in which a liquid that contains barium sulfate is put through the anus into the rectum and colon. Barium sulfate is a silver-white metallic compound that helps show pictures of the colon, rectum, and anus on an x-ray.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/lower-gi-series [accessed on Sep 19, 2019]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003817.htm [accessed on Sep 19, 2019]
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lowergi [accessed on Sep 19, 2019]
https://www.healthline.com/health/barium-enema [accessed on Sep 19, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (11)
Screening and Diagnosis Barium Enema
A barium enema is an X-ray examination of the colon. To make the intestine visible on X-ray, a white liquid called barium is inserted into the colon through a tube placed in the anus. The barium blocks X-rays, causing the outline of the barium-filled colon to show up clearly on the X-ray image.
Image by TheVisualMD
Barium Enema
Double Contrast Barium Enema - Using Positive and Negative Contrast
Image by The original uploader was Glitzy queen00 at English Wikipedia
A barium swallow exam taken via fluoroscopy.
A barium swallow exam taken via fluoroscopy.
Image by Normaler_Schluck-00.jpg (and others): Hellerhoff
Upper gastrointestinal series
X-ray of the stomach with both positive (bariumsulphate) and negative (CO2)contrastmedia.
Image by Lucien Monfils
Hernia
X-rays image: Double Contrast Barium Enema depicting gas filled loop of colon trapped outside the normal peritoneal confines. This marks the entrance or exit of transdiafragmatic, colonic herniation.
Image by Nevit Dilmen (talk)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Note multiple polyps (mostly pedunculated) and at least one large mass at the hepatic flexure coated with contrast.
Image by robhengxr
Upper gastrointestinal series
Barium follow though showing the small bowel.
Image by Glitzy queen00 at en.wikipedia
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Representation of the rectum, colon and descending colon sigmoideums in double contrast in an X-ray contrast enema. In the distal descending colon and sigmoid, individual small protuberances indicate which are called diverticula.
Image by Bragel
Gastroesophageal reflux disease - Treatment for GER and GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux barium X-ray : X-ray of the abdomen and chest in a patient with a gastrostomy. Radio-contrast was injected into the stomach and quickly seen migrating upwards through the entire esophagus. The patient had severe reflux esophagitis.
Image by Steven Fruitsmaak
Double Contrast Barium Enema - Using Positive and Negative Contrast
Double Contrast Barium Enema - Using Positive and Negative Contrast
Image by Glitzy queen00
Lower GI Series
A lower GI series, also called a barium
enema, is an x-ray exam used to help
diagnose problems of the large intestine. An
x ray is a picture created by using radiation
and recorded on film or on a computer. To
make the large intestine more visible on x ray,
a health care provider will fill the person’s
intestine with a chalky liquid called barium.
Document by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Screening and Diagnosis Barium Enema
TheVisualMD
Barium Enema
The original uploader was Glitzy queen00 at English Wikipedia
A barium swallow exam taken via fluoroscopy.
Normaler_Schluck-00.jpg (and others): Hellerhoff
Upper gastrointestinal series
Lucien Monfils
Hernia
Nevit Dilmen (talk)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
robhengxr
Upper gastrointestinal series
Glitzy queen00 at en.wikipedia
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Bragel
Gastroesophageal reflux disease - Treatment for GER and GERD
Steven Fruitsmaak
Double Contrast Barium Enema - Using Positive and Negative Contrast
Glitzy queen00
Lower GI Series
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Who Needs It
Dolichocolon case 1 9
Image by Jmarchn/Wikimedia
Dolichocolon case 1 9
Dolichocolon, in barium enema. 48-year-old woman.
Image by Jmarchn/Wikimedia
Why Do Doctors Use Lower GI Series?
A lower GI series can help a doctor find the cause of
bleeding from your anus
changes in your bowel activity
chronic diarrhea
pain in your abdomen
unexplained weight loss
A lower GI series can also show
cancerous growths
diverticula
a fistula
polyps
ulcers
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (1)
Dolichocolon case 1 4
Dolichocolon, in barium enema. 48-year-old woman.
Image by Jmarchn/Wikimedia
Dolichocolon case 1 4
Jmarchn/Wikimedia
How to Prepare
Talk to a health care provider. African American Doctor consulting with his patient
Image by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Talk to a health care provider. African American Doctor consulting with his patient
Image by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
How Do I Prepare for a Lower GI Series?
To prepare for a lower GI series, you will need to talk with your doctor, change your diet, and clean out your bowel.
Talk with your doctor
You should talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have and all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Also tell your doctor whether you’ve had a colonoscopy with a biopsy or polyp removal in the last 4 weeks.
Doctors don’t recommend x-rays for pregnant women because x-rays may harm the fetus. Tell your doctor if you are, or may be, pregnant. Your doctor may suggest a different procedure.
Change your diet and clean out your bowel
A health care professional will give you written bowel prep instructions to follow at home before the procedure. A health care professional orders a bowel prep so that little to no stool is present in your intestine. A complete bowel prep lets you pass stool that is clear and liquid. Stool inside your colon can prevent the x-ray machine from taking clear images of your intestine.
You may need to follow a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure. The instructions will provide specific direction about when to start and stop the clear liquid diet. In most cases, you may drink or eat the following:
fat-free bouillon or broth
gelatin in flavors such as lemon, lime, or orange
plain coffee or tea, without cream or milk
sports drinks in flavors such as lemon, lime, or orange
strained fruit juice, such as apple or white grape—doctors recommend avoiding orange juice
water
You may need to follow a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series.
Your doctor will tell you how long before the procedure you should have nothing by mouth.
A health care professional will ask you to follow the directions for a bowel prep before the procedure. The bowel prep will cause diarrhea, so you should stay close to a bathroom.
Different bowel preps may contain different combinations of laxatives—pills that you swallow or powders that you dissolve in water and other clear liquids—and enemas. Some people will need to drink a large amount, often a gallon, of liquid laxative during a scheduled amount of time—most often the night before the procedure.
You may find this part of the bowel prep difficult; however, completing the prep is very important. Your doctor will not be able to see your large intestine clearly if the prep is incomplete.
Call a health care professional if you have side effects that prevent you from finishing the prep.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (2)
GaviLyte G
A polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes solution used as a laxative used to cleanse the colon before colonoscopy, lower gastrointestinal series, or colon surgery.
Image by Whoisjohngalt/Wikimedia
Screening and Diagnosis Barium Enema
A barium enema is an X-ray examination of the colon. To make the intestine visible on X-ray, a white liquid called barium is inserted into the colon through a tube placed in the anus. The barium blocks X-rays, causing the outline of the barium-filled colon to show up clearly on the X-ray image.
Image by TheVisualMD
GaviLyte G
Whoisjohngalt/Wikimedia
Screening and Diagnosis Barium Enema
TheVisualMD
What to Expect
Barium Contrast Enema
Image by User:Helen4780/Wikimedia
Barium Contrast Enema
A barium enema in a disposable bag manufactured for that purpose.
Image by User:Helen4780/Wikimedia
How Do Doctors Perform a Lower GI Series?
An x-ray technician and a radiologist perform a lower GI series at a hospital or an outpatient center. You do not need anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
For the procedure, you’ll be asked to lie on a table while the radiologist inserts a flexible tube into your anus and fills your large intestine with barium. The radiologist prevents barium from leaking from your anus by inflating a balloon on the end of the tube. You may be asked to change position several times to evenly coat the large intestine with the barium. If you are having a double-contrast lower GI series, the radiologist will inject air through the tube to inflate the large intestine.
During the procedure, you may have some discomfort and feel the urge to have a bowel movement. You will need to hold still in various positions while the radiologist and technician take x-ray images and possibly an x-ray video, called fluoroscopy.
The radiologist or technician will deflate the balloon on the tube when the imaging is complete. Most of the barium will drain through the tube. You will push out the remaining barium into a bedpan or nearby toilet. A health care professional may give you an enema to flush out the rest of the barium.
An x-ray technician and a radiologist perform a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series at a hospital or an outpatient center.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Recovery After
Person holding stomach with digestive system revealed
Image by CDC
Person holding stomach with digestive system revealed
Image by CDC
What Should I Expect After a Lower GI Series?
After a lower GI series, you can expect the following:
You may have cramping in your abdomen and bloating during the first hour after the procedure.
You may resume most normal activities after leaving the hospital or outpatient center.
For several days, your stools may be white or light colored from the barium in your large intestine.
A health care professional will give you instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure. The instructions will explain how to flush the remaining barium from your large intestine. You should follow all instructions.
The radiologist will read the x-rays and send a report of the findings to your doctor.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (1)
Sick woman having a stomach ache
Image by wuestenigel
Sick woman having a stomach ache
wuestenigel
Possible Risks
Constipation - Fecal matter in the lower bowel
Image by TheVisualMD
Constipation - Fecal matter in the lower bowel
Constipation - Fecal matter in the lower bowel
Image by TheVisualMD
What Are the Risks of a Lower GI Series?
The risks of a lower GI series include
constipation from the barium enema—the most common complication of a lower GI series
an allergic reaction to the barium
intestinal obstruction
leakage of barium into your abdomen through a tear or hole in the lining of the large intestine
Seek care right away
If you have any of the following symptoms after a lower GI series, seek medical care right away:
bloody bowel movements or bleeding from your anus
fever
inability to pass gas
severe constipation
severe pain in your abdomen
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
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Lower GI Series
A lower GI series is a procedure in which a doctor uses x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to view your large intestine. The barium will make your large intestine more visible on an x-ray. Learn how lower gastrointestinal (GI) series can diagnose problems in your large intestine, how to prepare for the procedure, and what to expect afterwards.