Lower gastrointestinal series; Lower GI series

Barium should fill the colon evenly, showing normal bowel shape and position and no blockages.

Abnormal test results may be a sign of:

• Acute appendicitis
• Colitis due to Crohn's disease
• Colorectal cancer
• Colorectal polyps
• Diverticulitis
• Twisted loop of the bowel (volvulus)
• Ulcerative colitis

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Hirschsprung's disease
• Intestinal obstruction
• Intussusception

Images

Rectal cancer, X-ray

Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray

Barium enema

Barium enema

Previous Section

Barium enema Overview

Next Section

Barium enema Risks

Review Date: 12/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)