About Barium Enteroclysis
Key Highlights
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Provides highly detailed imaging of the entire small intestine, which is difficult to visualize with standard tests.Superior for detecting subtle mucosal abnormalities, strictures, and tumors.Helps in diagnosing complex conditions like Crohn's disease, malabsorption syndromes, and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Guides further treatment decisions, including the need for endoscopy or surgery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained chronic abdominal pain, especially when other tests are inconclusive.
- Suspected or known Crohn's disease to assess extent and severity.
- Evaluation of suspected small bowel tumors, polyps, or strictures.
- Investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding of unknown origin).
- Chronic diarrhea or malabsorption syndromes where a cause is not found.
- Suspected small bowel obstruction or fistula.
How to prepare
- A clear liquid diet is required for 24 hours before the procedure.
- Fasting (no food or drink) is typically required for 8-12 hours prior.
- You may need to stop certain medications, especially blood thinners, as advised by your doctor.
- Bowel preparation with laxatives is often necessary to ensure the small intestine is clear.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to barium or iodine-based contrast.
Risks & possible complications
- Discomfort, bloating, or cramping during and after the procedure.
- Nausea or vomiting, especially during tube placement.
- Allergic reaction to the barium contrast (rare).
- Perforation (a tear) of the intestine is a very rare but serious complication.
- Barium impaction (constipation) if the contrast is not fully expelled afterward.
- Radiation exposure from X-rays, though the dose is considered low-risk for diagnostic benefit.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You can usually resume normal activities and a regular diet immediately after the procedure.
- Drink plenty of water to help pass the barium and prevent constipation.
- Your stool may appear white or light-colored for 1-3 days as the barium is expelled.
- Mild abdominal cramping or bloating is common and should resolve within a day.
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain, fever, or inability to pass stool.
- A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the imaging results and next steps.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering barium enteroclysis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for barium enteroclysis in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform barium enteroclysis. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for barium enteroclysis compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Barium Enteroclysis in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing barium enteroclysis.
Angel Jones, a 32-year-old freelance graphic...
Angel Jones, a 32-year-old freelance graphic designer and avid runner, had been struggling for over a year with debilitating abdominal cramps, unpredictable diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss. Her active lifestyle was on hold. After multiple inconclusive tests, her gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, recommended a Barium Enteroclysis to get a detailed, real-time view of her small intestine, suspecting a motility disorder or subtle Crohn's disease. The procedure was uncomfortable; the insertion of the nasoduodenal tube was the hardest part, causing gagging and anxiety. The infusion of barium and air caused intense cramping and a feeling of severe bloating. Angel felt vulnerable and exhausted. However, the test was crucial. It revealed diffuse mucosal inflammation and ulcerations consistent with early-stage Crohn's disease. With this definitive diagnosis, Angel started a targeted biologic therapy. Within months, her symptoms were under control. Emotionally, she moved from a place of fear and frustration, feeling her body was betraying her, to one of relief and empowerment. Having a clear answer and an effective treatment plan allowed her to reclaim her life and her runs, feeling hopeful and in control again.
Gastroenterologists for Barium Enteroclysis
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform barium enteroclysis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai