• A procedure in which a liquid that contains barium sulfate is put through the anus into the rectum and colon. Barium sulfate is a silver-white metallic compound that helps show pictures of the colon, rectum, and anus on an x-ray.
  NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• X-RAY examination of LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT. Imaging is done while a BARIUM COMPOUND (e.g., BARIUM SULFATE) fills the large intestine via the rectum as a CONTRAST MATERIAL.
  NLM Medical Subject Headings
  U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
• (barium enema injection) Injection of a barium-containing contrast medium through the anus and into the lower gastrointestinal tract so that X-rays can be taken in order to identify lesions and other abnormal growths.
  NCI
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• A barium enema is an X-ray exam that can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). The procedure is also called a colon X-ray.
  Mayo Clinic
  Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025