Double-contrast barium enema bowel. Double-contrast barium enema A double-contrast barium enema is a form of contrast radiography in which x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken using two forms of contrast to make the structures easier to see. A liquid containing barium (that is, a radiocontrast agent) 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 also put into the rectum and colon to further enhance the x-ray. Double-contrast barium enemas are less invasive than a colonoscopy and have comparatively fewer issues in a viable
Lower gastrointestinal series colon to distend it and provide better images (often called a "double-contrast" exam). If air is used, the enema tube will be reinserted if it had been removed and a small amount of air will be introduced into the colon, and more X-ray pictures are taken. The patient is usually asked to move to different positions and the table is slightly tipped to get different views. If there is a suspected bowel perforation, a water-soluble contrast agent is used instead of barium. The procedure is otherwise very similar, although the images will be of poorer quality. If a perforation exists,