Barium Enema
This webpage will give you information about a barium
enema. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other
relevant health professional.
What is a barium enema?
A barium enema involves placing liquid barium sulphate, which
shows up on x-rays, into your large bowel (colon). The liquid lines
your large bowel and the x-rays can show if there is a problem (see
figure 1).
Figure 1 - An x-ray showing the large bowel
Are there any alternatives to a barium enema?
A colonoscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the large
bowel using a flexible telescope (colonoscope).
What does the procedure involve?
The radiologist will place a tube into your rectum (back
passage) and pass some barium liquid through the tube and into your
bowel. The radiologist will take x-rays while you are in different
positions. Once they have enough x-rays they will remove the
tube.
What complications can happen?
- Radiation exposure
- Discomfort and cramping
- Bleeding
- Making a hole in the bowel
- Ar or barium embolus
- Blurred vision
- Allergic reaction
How soon will I recover?
You will be monitored for a short while and then you should be
able to go home. The results of the x-rays will not be available
for a few days so a member of the healthcare team may ask you to
come back to the clinic for these results.
Summary
A barium enema is usually a safe and effective way of finding
out if you have a problem with your large bowel.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr Keith Dunn MB BS FRCR, Dr Craig Jobling FRCS (Ed)
FRCR and Mrs Samantha Gamble RGN
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital