Barium Enema

Your physician has requested an examination which requires the cleansing of your intestine (colon).  In order to help your physician obtain the best possible examination, it is essential that your colon be as clean as possible.  Therefore, be sure to follow all instructions.

Two (2) Days Before Exam:

            Limit eating to the following: clear soup, grape juice, cranberry juice, broth, carbonated beverages, jello, sherbet (not pineapple), coffee or tea (no cream or creamer) Gatorade, apple juice and popsicles.  You may drink as much additional fluids as you like.  Alcoholic beverages permitted.

Afternoon Prior to Exam:

            1:00 pm- Drink 8 oz water or clear juice

            2:00 pm- Drink 8 oz water or clear juice

            3:00 pm- Drink 8 oz water or clear juice

            4:00 pm- Drink 8 oz water or clear juice

            5:00 pm- Dinner: clear soup, 1 glass clear juice, 1 serving plain jello

            7:00 pm- Add magnesium citrate to 8 oz. of cold water (use a large glass). Stir. Drink after the fizzing stops.

            9:00 pm- Take the 4 Bisacodyl tablets, one at a time, with water. (Do not chew).

            10:00 pm- Administer the cleansing enema.  1 tsp. of salt to a quart of water should be used.  Follow enema instructions included in the enema bag.

Day of Exam:

• Do not eat breakfast.  You may drink water or non-citrus juice, coffee or tea with sugar.  No cream.
• Approximately 1 hour before you leave home, insert the Bisacodyl suppository.  Retain the suppository for at least 15-60 minutes Bowel evacuation usually occurs within 15-60 minutes.  Report to the Imaging Center on the 1^st floor of the DePaul building (directly in front of St. Vincent’s main lobby) at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.  Please come prepared to spend approximately 1 ½ hours in the Imaging Center.