Contrast Enema
There are several reasons why doctors recommend that children have a contrast enema — a procedure that uses air contrasted with another substance to better visualize the inside of the colon. When polyps, tumors, or other irregularities in the colon are suspected, a double contrast enema, using a dilute suspension of barium and air in a colon that has been thoroughly cleaned, can reveal if these irregularities are present in the colon. In most cases, however, contrast enemas in children are ordered because of problems of constipation.
For patients with constipation due to poorly functioning nerves and muscles within their colons, contrast enemas are very valuable to help determine the extent of the problem and plan for treatment. We emphasize that when patients receive contrast enemas for these purposes, the colon should not be cleaned prior to the contrast enema study since we want to learn about the degree of constipation and fecal impaction the patient experiences. We also want to know how the patient empties the colon after the study. It is our policy that for these purposes, a contrast enema test never be done with barium, since barium provokes very severe impaction. The barium becomes petrified in the colon and often the patient has to be taken to the operating room to remove the impaction.
Contact the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's
For more information or to request an appointment for the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, please contact us.
