Colorectal Web
What is Colorectal Cancer?
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Glossary

University of Michigan Health System Comprehensive Cancer Center

The good news is that there's something you can do about colorectal cancer...

 Tests SummaryFlexible SigmoidoscopyFecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)Double Contrast Barium Enima (DCBE)Colonoscopy

Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE)

Advantages

  • Reasonably easy to undergo
  • Need to do only every 5 years

Things to Consider

  • Good accuracy
  • Requires clear liquid diet, laxatives and/or enemas for 1-2 days before test
  • Cost $250-$500
  • Mild to moderate pain
Double Contrast Barium Enema is also called barium enema with air contrast or lower GI series. This test is done in a hospital or clinic and uses x-rays to find problems in the rectum and colon. A quart or more of liquid with barium is inserted into the rectum and colon (this is called a barium enema), and then air is inserted to expand the area for better viewing. Barium is a chalky metallic substance that improves the image of the x-rays. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes and requires no sedation.

Double contrast barium enema tests are often done in combination with other tests that check for colorectal cancer, such as annual fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or flexible figmoidoscopy every 5 years.

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Colorectal Web
University of Michigan Health System
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Please e-mail comments or questions about this site to coloweb@umich.edu