Information for Patients Having a Water Soluble Contact Enema

What is a water-soluble contrast enema? 

This is an examination of the large bowel using a special X-ray dye, which is recorded in real time using X-rays. This test is usually a follow up examination to check that your bowel has healed after your surgery. This might be done before an operation to remove your stoma. The images can be replayed for the doctor whilst you are there.   

How is this examination done? 

You will be asked by the radiographer to change into a hospital gown.  

The radiographer will check your details to ensure you are the correct person and are having the correct examination.   

If you are aged between 10 and 55 you will be asked to confirm your gender and if there is a chance of pregnancy.  

You will be expected to lie on your side for this procedure and the x-ray tube will be positioned over your pelvic region. 

A small soft tube is put into your back passage. X-ray dye is then introduced via the tube into your bowel.  This should not hurt but maybe be slightly uncomfortable. The X-ray dye will travel around your large bowel. X-ray pictures are then taken, and the doctor may ask you to roll onto your sides to ensure that the whole of your bowel is demonstrated on the pictures. The pictures are then checked, and the X-ray dye is drained out of your bowel before the tube is removed. You may have a slight discharge of the X-ray dye from your back passage, this is normal.  Following the procedure, you will be shown into a changing room with a toilet so that you can clean yourself up as the contrast dye is sticky. 

Is there any preparation?  

There is no preparation for the examination so please continue to take your normal medications. 

Who will I meet?  

Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in x-rays) 
Radiographer  
Student 

 How long does it take?  

The examination can take up to 30 minutes, time will vary for each patient. 

After your examination? 

The liquid may continue to come out of your bottom for a short time after your examination. You may want to bring a small pad to put in your pants, this is in case any excess contrast liquid leaks out of your bottom to protect your clothing. 

How do I get the results?  

Your results will go back to the clinician who sent you for this examination 

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the Appointments team on 01305 254428. 

About this leaflet

Author: Jeanette Bartlett, Lead Interventional Fluoroscopy Radiographer
Written: February 2025 
Approved: July 2025 
Review date: July 2028 
Edition: v1 

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk