Lower gastrointestinal series a familial history of polyps or colon cancer, although it is not uncommon for a barium enema to be done after a colonoscopy for further evaluation. Lower gastrointestinal series A lower gastrointestinal series is a medical procedure used to examine and diagnose problems with the human colon (large intestine). Radiographs (X-ray pictures) are taken while barium sulfate, a radiocontrast agent, fills the colon via an enema through the rectum. The term barium enema usually refers to a lower gastrointestinal series, although enteroclysis (an upper gastrointestinal series) is often called a small bowel barium enema. This test may be done in
Colon cleansing or a "colonic", is a treatment which is used "to wash out the contents of the large bowel by means of copious enemas using water or other medication." During an enema, the water is retained in the colon for approximately 15 minutes. During a colonic, water is introduced into the colon and then it is flushed out and this is repeated until the entire colon is cleared. Colonic irrigation has been described as an "unwise" procedure as it carries the risk of serious harm and has no proven benefit. The consumer advocacy news program Marketplace conducted a consumer trial with