What is Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Radiography?

• An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body.
• Lower gastrointestinal tract radiography or lower GI uses a form of real-time x-ray called fluoroscopy and a barium-based contrast material to help detect disease and abnormalities and diagnose symptoms such as pain, constipation or blood in the stool. It can often provide enough information to avoid more invasive procedures such as colonoscopy.
• Lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract radiography, also called a lower GI or barium enema, is an x-ray examination of the large intestine, also known as the colon. This examination evaluates the right or ascending colon, the transverse colon, the left or descending colon, the sigmoid colon and the rectum. The appendix and a portion of the distal small intestine may also be included.

Why do I need Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Radiography?

An lower GI examination helps evaluate digestive function and can detect:
• Benign tumors (such as polyps).
• Cancer.
• Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease).
• Hirsch sprung disease in children (a blockage of the large intestine).
The procedure is frequently performed to help diagnose symptoms such as:
• Chronic diarrhea.
• Blood in stools.
• Constipation.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• A change in bowel habits.
• Suspected blood loss.

Any preparation needed?

• On the day before the procedure you will likely be asked not to eat, and to drink only clear liquids like juice, tea, black coffee, cola or broth, and to avoid dairy products. After midnight, you should not eat or drink anything. For adults (but not usually in children), it is important that your colon be completely empty for the procedure. You may also be instructed to take a laxative (in either pill or liquid form) and to use an over-the-counter enema preparation the night before the examination and possibly a few hours before the procedure.
• You should inform your physician of any medications being taken and if there are any allergies, especially to iodinated contrast materials. Also inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
• Women should always inform their physician and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
• You may also be asked to remove jewelry, removable dental appliances, eye-glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.