Resulta of Barium Enema

I just received the results of a barium enema performed a week ago.  Please explain the following results as well as treatment options:"There are several filling defects in the sigmoind and descending colon and tortuous in the sigmoid colon."  Thank YOu

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Failure of a section of colon to fill with barium (filling defects) may be caused by spasms in the colon wall, polyps, cancer, or retained stool.

A tortuous sigmoid colon simply means that there are a lot of "twists and turns".  By itself, this is an anatomical variant and not linked to a specific disease.  

The next step would be a colonoscopy, which is a more comprehensive test to evaluate the colon wall, polyps, or cancer.  Once the diagnosis is made by the colonoscopy, treatment options can then be considered based on what is found.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

fillling defects means there's something in the colon: being several, it's most likely stool that wasn't fully cleaned out with the prep -- depending on the actual pictures, not anything to worry about. The sigmoid colon is near the lower end, in your left lower abdomen. Sigmoid means "S" shaped. Tortuous means it's more curvy than usual, but rarely has particular significance.