A barium enema is a test that involves passing a white liquid, called barium sulphate, into your bowel through your bottom. This liquid coats the inside of the bowel so that a clear X-ray image of this area can be taken.
It allows doctors to investigate problems such as:
When you may be referred for a barium enema
Your GP may recommend that you have a barium enema if you have noticed blood in your stools or if you have an unexpected change to your bowel movements, such as diarrhoea or constipation.
If you have a family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer and you have unexplained lower abdominal pain, a barium enema may be used to investigate the cause.
In some cases, a CT scan or a colonoscopy (a type of endoscopy) may be used instead of a barium enema.
A barium enema examination is not advisable if you are pregnant because you will be exposed to some radiation. The amount of radiation used during the procedure is considered safe for the patient but could be dangerous for an unborn child. Therefore, if you are pregnant or think you might be, you must inform your doctor or radiographer at the hospital before the examination. Read more about the risks of a barium enema.
How it is carried out
During a barium enema, liquid barium sulphate is passed into your bowel through a small soft tube inserted into your bottom. The liquid coats the inside of your bowel.
At the same time, air is usually pumped through the tube to expand the large bowel. This helps to make the images as clear as possible.
The whole process of injecting the fluid and taking the X-ray takes around 15 to 30 minutes. It should not be painful but can cause some discomfort and bloating, mainly due to the large bowel stretching when the air is pumped in.
The X-ray images are analysed by a radiologist after the appointment. A radiologist is a doctor specially trained to carry out examinations and interpret medical images, such as X-rays. A report is given to your doctor, usually within 14 days.
Read more about how a barium enema is performed.
