What type of patient is capable of undergoing a double contrast barium enema examination?
A patient has to be able to hold the barium and air in his or her colon; anal sphincter tone must be normal. The patient must be able to roll upon the tabletop of the fluoroscope; he or she must be strong enough to roll over in bed. The radiologist must be able to communicate with the patient. If the patient does not speak the same language as the radiologist, a translator must be provided. The patient must have enough mental acuity to be able to understand and respond to the following commands: “Don’t breathe/breathe,” “Turn left/turn right,” and “Hold the barium in your rectum.”
