Radiology - Barium Follow Through

Please read the information and follow the instructions carefully.

Why do I need a barium follow through?

Your doctor has decided that you need an investigation of your small bowel. This test may be performed as part of a series of other tests.

What is a barium follow through?

It is an examination of your small bowel. You will be asked to drink different liquids including barium, which coats your bowel so that we can see it clearly using x-rays. It is a test to show how your bowel moves.

Who has made the decision?

Your doctor thinks this is the examination you need at this time to investigate your symptoms. However, if you do not want the procedure, please discuss with your doctor, and let us know if you decide not to have it done.

Who will be doing the barium follow through?

A specialist x-ray doctor called a Radiologist or a specially trained radiographer. They are specialists in using x-ray equipment and understanding the images produced.

They need to look at these images while carrying out the procedure, to make sure that everything your doctor is interested in is included.

How do I prepare for barium follow through?

It is extremely important to be properly prepared for your barium follow through. For the test to work your small bowel must be completely empty.

YOU MUST NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING FOR SIX HOURS BEFORE YOUR EXAMNINATION.

You may still take any essential medication with a small amount of water.

On arrival you may need to undress and put on a hospital gown. You may bring a dressing gown, or if you wear clothing with no metal you will not need to change.

As you may be in the department for over a couple of hours, you may bring something to read or listen to.

If you have a stoma, please bring spare stoma bags with you in case you need to change your bag.

What happens during a barium follow through?

You will be asked to drink barium (a white chalky liquid) which helps show your bowel on x-rays. Sometimes we will ask you to drink a different x-ray dye instead of barium. X-rays will be taken at different times until the barium has passed through your small bowel.

Sometimes you will be asked to drink more barium or water to help it pass through.

You will be asked to wait in a waiting area in between x-rays.

Towards the end of the examination the Radiologist (doctor) or Radiographer might need to press on your tummy to enable clearer pictures to be obtained. This should not be painful.

Will it hurt?

The test is not painful, but you will be asked to roll into different positions on an x-ray table.

You may feel bloated, but this will pass.

How long will it take?

It is difficult to say how long the test will take as we must wait for the barium to move through your small bowel, and this is different for everyone.

The test usually takes 1-3 hours but sometimes it can take longer.

What happens afterwards?

After the test you will be able to eat and drink as normal.

The rest of the day you may have loose stools (poo).

For a few days after the test, you should drink plenty of fluids, this will help prevent any constipation that the barium may cause.

Do not worry if your stools are paler than usual, this is normal and due to the barium passing out of your system.

The results of your examination will be sent to the doctor who referred you for this test.

Are there any risks or complications?

A barium follow through is a safe examination, but there are some risks and complications that can arise.

• The barium can stay in your system for a few weeks and may make your stools look pale and chalky and you may feel constipated until all the barium has cleared. This is normal. You may use your regular laxative or consult your GP for advice

Is x-ray guidance dangerous?

All x-ray machines use potentially harmful x-rays. Modern equipment is designed to keep the dose you receive as low as possible. If your doctor has asked for this test, they will have decided that the benefits from the procedure outweigh the risks from the very small dose of radiation that you receive.

What if I decide not to have the barium follow through done?

You will be able to discuss any concerns you have with the radiologist or radiographer. If you then decide not to go ahead with the barium examination, we will write to your referring doctor to let them know.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

Other procedures can be done which allow your small bowel to be investigated. These include a camera test (Endoscopy), an MRI scan or a CT scan.

These investigations may not be suitable for you so you should discuss them with your consultant. The benefit of this procedure is the doctor can watch a moving image of your small bowel on the screen.

What if I’m pregnant?

As x-rays can harm unborn babies, if there is any chance you could be pregnant, please call 0161 206 4941 if your appointment is at Salford Royal Hospital or 0161 656 1178 if your appointment is at Royal Oldham Hospital.

All persons of childbearing age will be asked if they could be pregnant when x-rays are to be used.

If you require alternative tests or treatments due to pregnancy, then your doctor will discuss this at your next appointment.

Patients with diabetes

If you are diabetic and you need advice about your medication and diet, please contact the Diabetes Centre on 0161 206 4888 between 8.30am and 12.30pm, Monday to Friday as soon as you receive this appointment and ask to speak to a diabetes specialist nurse.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any queries about your appointment or cannot attend, then please telephone the booking office on 0161 206 2044 or 0161 206 2404 (Salford Royal Hospital) or 0161 624 0420 (Royal Oldham Hospital) available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm.

You can also email
booking.radiology@nca.nhs.uk (Salford Royal Hospital) or
bookingandscheduling.outpatients@nca.nhs.uk (Royal Oldham Hospital).

Please include name, date of birth, address and hospital number (if known) in any correspondence.

Interpreters

If you need an interpreter for your examination, please call the department so that we can try to arrange this.

I need an ambulance. How do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance there are contact details on your appointment letter.

Please contact us if you are arriving by ambulance so we can time your appointment with your ambulance arrival. If we are not aware that you are coming by ambulance you may miss your appointment and it may have to be rebooked.

Contact Details

We hope your questions have been answered by this leaflet.

If you require help or any other information regarding your appointment you can contact:

Fluoroscopy Department, Salford Royal Hospital Tel: 0161 206 4941
Interventional Radiology, Royal Oldham Hospital Tel: 0161 656 1178

Websites

For general information about radiology departments, visit The Royal College of Radiologists’ website:
www.goingfora.com
www.rcr.ac.uk