During the test: The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and does not require sedation.
For this test, you lie on a table on your side in an x-ray room. A small, flexible tube is
inserted into the rectum, and barium sulfate is pumped in to partially fill and open up the
colon. When the colon is about half-full of barium, you are turned over on the x-ray table so
the barium spreads throughout the colon. Then air is pumped into the colon through the same
tube to make it expand. This may cause some cramping and discomfort, and you may feel the
urge to have a bowel movement.