For children under the age of 3, we may use a special device called an octagon board where the child is secured during the exam like. This does not hurt the child and is done to help reduce the amount of radiation the child receives during the exam by restricting unwanted motion.  It also allows the Radiologist to turn the child quickly onto their side so as not to miss any crucial anatomy. We allow one parent to remain next to the child if needed.

For a child over 3 years of age, they will lay on towels on the x-ray table with a parent holding their hand for comfort.

The enema tip is placed in the rectum of the child and a small piece of tape is used to hold it in place. During the examination, the radiologist watches the colon on a television screen to monitor the colon’s filling. Small spot films of any area of interest or concern in the colon are also obtained. When the colon is entirely filled, final images will be performed. The older patient will then have the enema tip removed and go into the bathroom. The child under 3 years of age will be drained lying on the table. After 5 to 10 minutes, another overhead picture may be taken to see how well the colon has emptied. Barium may continue to pass in the child’s stool in small amounts over the next few days.