Learn about Barium Enema Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Barium Enema and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Barium Enema

A barium enema, also known as a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, is a specialized diagnostic X-ray procedure performed by a gastroenterologist to examine the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During the procedure, a liquid contrast material containing barium is introduced into the colon via a tube inserted through the rectum. The barium coats the lining of the colon, making it clearly visible on X-ray images. This allows the gastroenterologist to detect abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, diverticula, inflammation, and structural changes. While largely replaced by colonoscopy for many diagnostic purposes, it remains a valuable tool for evaluating the anatomy and function of the colon, particularly in cases where a colonoscopy is incomplete or contraindicated.

Key Highlights

    Provides detailed imaging of the colon's structure and lining.Effective for detecting large polyps, tumors, and structural abnormalities like diverticula.Non-surgical and does not require sedation for most patients.Can be an alternative when a colonoscopy is not feasible or incomplete.Generally a shorter procedure time compared to a colonoscopy.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Investigation of chronic abdominal pain, unexplained diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Screening for or evaluation of suspected colon cancer or large polyps.
  • Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
  • Identification of diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
  • Assessment of bowel obstruction or unexplained rectal bleeding.
  • Evaluation of anatomical changes post-surgery or due to other conditions.

How to prepare

  • A clear liquid diet is required for 1-2 days before the procedure.
  • Strong laxatives or an enema kit are prescribed to completely empty the colon.
  • Patients must inform the doctor of all medications, especially blood thinners.
  • Fasting for several hours before the test is typically required.
  • Allergy to barium or iodine-based contrasts must be disclosed to the medical team.

Risks & possible complications

  • Discomfort, cramping, or a feeling of fullness during the procedure.
  • Constipation or temporary impaction of barium after the test.
  • Allergic reaction to the barium contrast (rare).
  • Perforation (a tear) of the colon wall is a very rare but serious complication.
  • Exposure to a low dose of radiation from the X-rays.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Patients can usually resume normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids is encouraged to help pass the remaining barium and prevent constipation.
  • Bowel movements may appear white or light-colored for 1-3 days.
  • Mild abdominal cramping or bloating may persist for a short time.
  • A follow-up appointment with the gastroenterologist is scheduled to discuss the results and any next steps.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Outpatient (No overnight stay)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering barium enema in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for barium enema compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 33 – USD 87 Outpatient (No overnight stay) ~ 1-2 days Know More
Turkey USD 242 – USD 644 Outpatient (No overnight stay) ~ 1-2 days Know More

Top hospitals for Barium Enema in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing barium enema.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Gem Hospital Perungudi

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to three other doctors...

I'd been to three other doctors for this nagging pain and fatigue. Everyone said it was stress. Dr. Latha at MGM was the first one who actually sat and listened, really listened, to everything I was saying. She ordered a specific test the others hadn't, and it turned out to be something quite rare. She explained it all to me in plain Tamil, drew diagrams on a notepad. I was scared, but she laid out a clear plan. It's been a long road, but I finally feel like we're getting somewhere.

Gastroenterologists for Barium Enema

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform barium enema and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Amarkishen Shetty
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sandeep Gopal Krishna N R
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dheeraj Karanth C
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayaraj S P
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. B Vishwanath Tantry
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipto Ghosh
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Umesh K J
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prasad Bhate
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

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Dr. Anurag Shetty
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Prashanth Pn
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Maruthesh Gowda C
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Antriksh Kumar
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

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Dr. Tuhin Subhra Mandal
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Uddhavesh M Paithankar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harish K C
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Monika Sekaran
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Puneeth B S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanth Leo
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sambit Kumar Bhuyan
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Kumar A V
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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