Double-contrast barium enema

Human intestinal tract, as imaged via double-contrast barium enema

A double-contrast barium enema is a procedure in which x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken after a liquid containing barium is put into the rectum. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that outlines the colon and rectum on an x-ray and helps show abnormalities. Air is put into the rectum and colon to further enhance the x-ray.

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 This article incorporates public domain material from the U.S. National Cancer Institute document "Dictionary of Cancer Terms".


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