Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Medical Author:
Michael W Stratemeier, MD
Coauthor:
Lisa Vignogna, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Ron Fuerst, MD
Gastrointestinal Bleeding OverviewThe many causes of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding are classified into upper or lower, depending on their location in the GI tract.
Viewer Comments & ReviewsGastrointestinal Bleeding - CausesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the cause of your gastrointestinal bleeding? |
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Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Barium Enema Introduction
A barium enema is a diagnostic test. During the test, the doctor puts a contrast material called barium into the rectum. Enough barium is given to fill up the colon (large intestines). A plain x-ray of the abdomen is then taken.
By filling the entire cavity of the colon, the doctor can see the contour of the colon's lining. Polyps, diverticula (outpocketings), ulcers, fistula (openings), crypts (certain types of cavities), and inflammatory changes can be detected. Masses (such as tumors) are specifically of interest because this test is often used to screen for colon cancer.
- Primarily, barium enema is used to exclude diseases of the colon such as colorectal cancer. Over the years, barium enema has been used to evaluate a wide range of other conditions such as these:
- Appendicitis
- Celiac sprue
- Colorectal adenoma (harmless tumors)
...
- Appendicitis
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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding »
Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a potentially life-threatening abdominal emergency that remains a common cause of hospitalization.
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