Double-contrast barium enema

A procedure in which x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken after a liquid containing barium 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 put into the rectum and colon to further enhance the x-ray.

A series of X-rays of the colon and rectum. The X-rays are taken after the patient is given an enema, followed by an injection of air. The barium outlines the intestines on the X-rays, allowing many abnormal growths to be visible.