Barium Enema

Air Contrast Study, Lower Gastrointestinal Series

Risks

There is very little risk of complications from having a barium enema.

• Occasionally the barium remaining in the colon hardens, causing severe constipation (impaction) or obstruction. To decrease the risk of impaction, drink extra fluids following the procedure and, if necessary, take an enema or mild laxative after the test.
• In rare cases, barium can cause inflamed areas in the colon called barium granulomas.
• Perforation of the bowel is a more serious, but very rare complication. Under the pressure from the barium or air, a weakened section of the colon may break open, allowing the intestinal contents to spill into the abdominal cavity. It may occur in people whose bowel wall has been weakened by intestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.

Call your health professional immediately if you:

• Have rectal bleeding.
• Have severe abdominal pain.
• Develop a fever.
• Do not have a bowel movement within 2 days after the test.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: July 20, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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