After Care-Water Soluble Contrast Enema

After Care - Water Soluble Contrast Enema

Patient Information

Radiology Department

• Author ID:           SJO 
• Leaflet Ref:         Rad 029 
• Version:              3 
• Leaflet title:         After Care-Water Soluble Contrast Enema
• Date Produced:   August 2024 
• Expiry Date:        August 2026 

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Your examination is now complete, and you are free to leave the department. You may resume your usual eating routine. 

Please be aware that you may still need to use the toilet after the examination, and it is advisable to remain within reach of the bathroom for the next few hours. If you have a stoma bag, it may fill up very quickly after the procedure as the remainder of the x-ray dye comes out. 

If air was used to inflate your bowel, then there is a chance that your stoma bag could overfill and become loose or burst due to the pressure. Please ensure you have plenty of spare bags available. 

You may experience some mild abdominal cramps after your examination; this is to be expected due to the air.

It is also normal to lose small amounts of blood from the rectum after this procedure, due to the rectum being aggravated by the tube which was inserted into it. However, if you experience severe rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain, then we suggest you seek medical advice via your nearest Emergency Department. 

If you have stopped taking your usual medication to undergo this test, you can resume taking it afterwards. 

Your results will be sent back to the doctor who referred you for the test. They will contact you regarding the results. 

X-Ray Department 

Telephone 01942 822398