What is Double-contrast barium enema?

A double-contrast barium enema is a form of contrast radiography in which x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken using two forms of contrast to make the structures easier to see. 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 also put into the rectum and colon to further enhance the x-ray.

Double-contrast barium enemas are less invasive than a colonoscopy and have comparatively fewer issues in a viable large bowel.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the U.S. National Cancer Institute document: "Dictionary of Cancer Terms".