Barium Enema Preparation (Large Bowel X-ray)

Preparing for an X-ray of the large bowel (Barium enema):

• The X-ray your doctor has requested is to examine the colon (large bowel) using a contrast medium (barium sulphate powder dissolved in water).
• Because this centre has inpatient wards and inpatients' requests take priority, and because of tasks related to the X-ray such as obtaining and preparing the medication, allow about 2 hours for your visit to the department.
• For outpatients who are generally unwell, be sure to coordinate with the relevant staff before the patient comes to the department.
• On the day of the X-ray, bring all your medical records (colonoscopy, ultrasound, etc.).
• The contrast medium used is passed out in the stool and poses no risk to you or those around you.
• Each patient needs one companion when the test is done.
• Women who think they may be pregnant must tell the relevant staff before the X-ray is done.

Bowel preparation schedule

1. On the afternoon of the day before the X-ray, have a simple meal at 6 pm.
2. At 7 pm, take castor oil and two bisacodyl tablets.
3. At 8 pm, chew and swallow two dimethicone (simethicone) tablets.
4. At 10 pm, chew and swallow two more dimethicone tablets.
5. At 6 am on the day of the X-ray, chew and swallow two dimethicone tablets, then come to the department at 8 am without having eaten (fasting).

Items required

• Barium sulphate: 5 packs
• 20 cc syringe: 2
• Disposable sheet: 1 pack
• Foley catheter (suitable size): 1

Head of the Radiology Department: Dr Najmeh Mohammadpanah