Is there a 21st century reason for having a barium enema/?

Question

This "procedure" was recommended by my DO the other day as I have been having unresolved digestion issues. Wouldn't it make more sense and less embarrassment to have a colonoscopy or a scan of some sort?

Answer 1

A barium enema is a type of xray. a radio-opaque contrast (barium) is inserted into the large colon (the enema part) and then a series of xray are taken. this can show the size, shape and position of the colon, or any blockages or inflamatory pouches. sometimes this is better than visualizing the intestinal lining as in a colonoscopy.