Barium enema

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Barium enema

Barium enema

Rectal cancer, X-ray

Sigmoid colon cancer, X-ray

Lower gastrointestinal series; Lower GI series

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the smallest amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to x-ray risks.

A more serious risk is a perforated colon, which is very rare.

Colonoscopy is another way to diagnose and monitor diseases in the colon.

Review Date: 12/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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