Question:
Is an upper and lower g.i. series painful?

I've read several comments on barium swallow and that it was gross but tolerable but what about the barium enema. I'm afraid of it hurting someone told me that you have to hold it for quite a while and can't expel it because they block you somehow what are they talking about and how much pain or discomfort is involved?    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 10, 2000)

December 10, 2000
During a barium enema, a catheter is inserted into the rectum while the patient is in a reclining position. This catheter has a balloon section on it which is inflated once it is in position in the rectum. This secures the catheter in place and prevents the barium solution from leaking out during the procedure. The solution, as well as a quantity of air, is slowly allowed to fill the lower colon and the patient is asked to turn from side to side while the radiologist films the passage of the barium and air through the colon. The Xray table will also tilt the patient into a standing position and several films will be taken in this position also. Some patients experience moderate to severe abdominal cramping during the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the balloon is deflated, the catheter removed, and the patient allowed to spend a significant amount of time in the bathroom expelling the solution as well as the large amount of air which had been instilled. Any discomfort experienced during the procedure usually disappears immediately after this trip to the bathroom. Barium solution can be constipating for some patients, so most are advised to increase their water intake over the next day or two to help prevent that from happening. It's not a procedure that you'd want to have on a regular basis, but most patients don't find it to be too bad. Good luck!
   — Diana T.