Patients may require a brief recovery period immediately following the procedure. In most cases, they are able to return home shortly after the procedure.

The barium may cause constipation and make the patient’s stool turn gray or white for a few days after the procedure. Patients may receive a cleansing enema or be asked to take a laxative that will help flush the remaining barium from their body. They may also be urged to drink extra fluid and eat high-fiber foods for several days after the procedure. Patients should contact their physician if they discover that their stool still is not a normal color, or if they are unable to have a bowel movement, two or three days after the test.