double-contrast barium enema

Definition / meaning of 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.

Listed under:

Find More About 'double-contrast barium enema'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

Leave a Comment