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Why would I need this test?
A lower gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x-rays to diagnose problems in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. The lower GI series may show polyps or other abnormal growths, ulcers, and diverticuli.
How do I prepare for this test?
Your colon must be empty for the procedure to be accurate. To prepare for the procedure you will have to restrict your diet for a few days beforehand as instructed by your healthcare provider. Instruction from your doctor will be very important if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, for example, or if the patient is a child. For example, you might be able to drink only clear liquids and eat only nondairy foods for two days before the procedure; only clear liquids the day before; and nothing after midnight the night before the exam.
A clear liquid diet means fat-free bouillon or broth, Jell-O®, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea or soda. To make sure your colon is empty, you might be given a laxative or an enema before the procedure. Your physician may give you other special instructions. Since this test involves exposure to radiation (x-rays), it is imperative that you inform the doctor if there is any chance that you might be pregnant.
This test is not recommended if you have any of the following conditions:
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe ulcerative colitis
- Toxic megacolon
- Suspected intestinal perforation
How is this test performed?
Before taking x-rays of your colon and rectum, the radiologist will inject a thick liquid containing barium into your colon. This is why a lower GI series is sometimes called a barium enema. The barium coats the lining of the colon and rectum and makes these organs, and signs of disease in them, show up on x-rays. It also helps the radiologist see the size and shape of the colon and rectum.
You may be asked to change positions while x-rays are taken. Different positions give different views of the intestines. After the radiologist finishes taking x-rays, you will be able to go to the bathroom and expel the barium. The radiologist may also take an x-ray of the colon after it is empty.
You may feel some discomfort during the lower GI series. The barium will cause fullness and pressure in your abdomen and will make you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. However, that rarely happens because the tube the physician uses to inject the barium has a balloon on the end of it that prevents the liquid from coming back out.
The barium used in this procedure may cause constipation and make your stool turn gray or white for a few days after the procedure. Your doctor may recommend a mild laxative to aid in excreting the barium. Drinking lots of water after the exam will also help to flush out the barium.
How long does the procedure take?
A lower GI series takes about one to two hours.
What happens if an abnormality is found?
If an abnormality is found your physician may begin treatment or suggest additional tests to gather more information.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
This test can infrequently cause complications such as perforation, or tearing of the colon, water intoxication, and barium granulomas (inflammatory lesions caused by barium).
What is a desirable result?
During the test your physician will see if your intestine fills uniformly with barium and that the intestinal walls collapse completely as the barium is expelled. The x-ray should also show a healthy feathery appearance of the tissues lining the intestine.
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External Source
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The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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