Before going ahead with a barium enema, your doctor and radiologist will weigh up any risks of the procedure against the benefits of diagnosing a potentially serious disorder or disease, such as bowel cancer.

There are some risks to consider before having a barium enema, although they are generally rare and it is usually a safe procedure. A barium enema may not be used in certain groups of people, such as pregnant women or people who have been diagnosed with severe colitis (inflammation of the large bowel).

Radiation exposure

Exposure to radiation is low as the duration and level of radiation used is kept to a minimum. You will be exposed to X-rays for about two to three minutes. The quantity of radiation you are exposed to is equivalent to what you would receive naturally from the environment over about three years.

Read more information about radiation.

You should not have an X-ray if you are pregnant, as there is a slightly higher risk of an unborn baby being harmed by the radiation. A barium enema will only be used in very exceptional circumstances if you are pregnant.

Bowel perforation

There is a small risk of bowel perforation (a small hole in the bowel). This is a serious complication that can be fatal. However, it is extremely rare and generally only happens if you have a problem such as severe inflammation of the large bowel.

Side effects

There is a risk of side effects from the drug Buscopan, which is given to relax the muscles of your bowel wall. Your radiologist will check whether you have a history of heart disease or glaucoma before giving the injection to you. The drug can cause temporarily blurred vision.

Some people may not tolerate barium very well and it may give them an upset stomach or constipation. In extremely rare cases, it may cause an allergic reaction.