The term air contrast barium enema is another term used to describe a barium enema procedure conducted with the use of air. An air contrast barium enema is used to examine the condition of the colon and rectum. These parts of the body may be damaged by conditions such as ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. The air contrast barium enema is used to examine these parts of the body to figure out what damage has occurred if any.
The application of the air contrast barium enema technique is made in order to make the lining of these areas clearly visible. The visibility of the lining is enhanced by the use of barium which coats the lining. This shows up in imaging scans that are used to examine these parts of the body. The use of air is also essential because air will fill up the area, thus making it expand to its maximum size. This maximum size enables the folds of the lining to be stretched out, thus improving the visibility. Any abnormalities in the lining will then be clearly visible.
The air contrast barium enema preparation involves complete fasting on the part of the patient for at least 8 hours before the test. Some doctors may request for a longer period of fasting. Air contrast barium enema preparation may also involve the use of a laxative in the diet to ensure that the bowels are completely evacuated during the test. The evacuation of the bowels prior to the test is essential to ensure that there is no waste present in the bowels while the scanning is taking place.
During the air contrast barium enema procedure, the patient will receive the contrast material through a tube inserted through the anus. This tube will deliver the contrast material followed by some air. This is done to inflate and line the area following which the scan can commence. The scanning process takes up to 45 minutes as the doctor will ask for a variety of different scan angles. This is done by asking the patient to change his or her position of lying during the test. During each scan, the patient has to remain absolutely still to ensure that the images are as clear as they can possibly be.
After an air contrast barium enema, the patient will need to evacuate his or her bowels immediately as there will be a considerable desire to defecate.