Lower G.I. Series
A lower G.I. series uses x-rays to help diagnose problems of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. A lower G.I. series is sometimes called a barium enema because the large intestine is filled with barium liquid. The barium liquid coats the lining of the large intestine and makes signs of disease show up more clearly on x rays.
What problems can a lower G.I. series detect?
A lower G.I. series can detect problems of the large intestine, including:
When is a lower G.I. series used?
A lower G.I. series can be used to help determine the cause of:
How to Prepare for a Lower G.I. Series
To prepare for a lower G.I. series, patients must empty all solids from the G.I. tract during a “bowel prep,” which is usually done at home. The doctor provides written bowel prep instructions. Generally, patients follow a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure. Acceptable liquids include:
A laxative or enema is usually used the evening before a lower G.I. series. A laxative is medicine that loosens stool and increases bowel movements. Laxatives are usually swallowed as a pill or as a powder dissolved in water. An enema involves flushing a liquid solution into the anus using a special squirt bottle. Enemas are sometimes repeated the morning of the test.
Sometimes, especially when only the rectum or end of the colon is being evaluated, emptying all solids from the entire G.I. tract beforehand is not necessary. Instead, the patient undergoes one or more enemas the day of the procedure to remove solids from just the large intestine.
Before starting the bowel prep, patients should tell their doctor about all health issues and medications. Women who may be pregnant should discuss getting an alternate test, such as colonoscopy, or taking precautions to minimize radiation exposure to their unborn child.
How is a lower G.I. series performed?
A lower G.I. series is conducted by a radiology technologist or a radiologist at a hospital or outpatient center.
While the patient lies on an x-ray table, a lubricated tube is inserted into the anus and the large intestine is filled with barium liquid. Patients may experience some discomfort and will feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Leakage of barium liquid is prevented by an inflated balloon on the end of the tube. To evenly coat the inside of the large intestine with barium liquid, patients are asked to change positions several times.
X-ray pictures and possibly x-ray video are taken while patients hold still in various positions, allowing the technologist or radiologist to see the large intestine at different angles. If a technologist conducts the lower G.I. series, a radiologist will later examine the images to look for problems.
When the imaging is complete, the balloon on the tube is deflated and most of the barium liquid drains through the tube. The patient expels the remaining barium liquid into a bed pan or nearby toilet. An enema may be used to flush out the remaining barium liquid. The entire procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes—longer if it includes a double contrast study.
What is a double contrast study?
The double contrast study gets its name from the combination of air and barium liquid working together to create a more detailed view of the intestinal lining on x-rays. If performed, a double contrast study takes place after the patient has expelled most of the barium liquid. What remains clings to the intestinal wall. The large intestine is inflated with air, expanding the barium-coated large intestine, and additional x-rays are taken.
Recovery from a Lower G.I. Series
For an hour or so after the procedure, most patients experience bloating. Not eating before the test and the test itself may cause one to feel tired. Repeated bowel movements and enemas during the bowel prep may cause anal soreness. And for several days, traces of barium liquid in the large intestine cause stools to be white or light colored. Unless otherwise directed, patients may immediately resume their normal diet.
What are the risks associated with a lower G.I. series?
Mild constipation from the barium enema is the most common complication of a lower G.I. series. Rarely, a barium enema causes bowel obstruction, a life-threatening condition that blocks the intestines. Drinking plenty of liquids after a lower G.I. series flushes out the barium and reduces the risks of constipation and bowel obstruction.
A 1 to 4 percent risk of acute kidney injury exists from sodium phosphate, a commonly used laxative for lower G.I. series bowel preps. Laxatives can also lead to temporary but potentially serious imbalances in electrolytes, salts and minerals in the body, possibly causing sluggishness, confusion, muscle cramps, and seizures. People with, or those at risk for, kidney disease should discuss options for minimizing bowel prep-related risks with their doctor.
Rarely, barium liquid causes an allergic reaction, which is treated with antihistamines.
Leakage of barium liquid into the abdomen through a tear in the lining of the large intestine is a rare but serious complication that usually requires emergency surgery to repair.
The risk of radiation-related damage to cells or tissues from a lower G.I. series is low. People who have recently undergone other x-ray tests should talk with their doctor about potential risks.
Patients who experience any of the following rare symptoms after a lower G.I. series should contact their doctor immediately:
