Finding the right tests…
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Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
A Conray enema uses iothalamate meglumine, a water-soluble iodine-based contrast, in place of barium for a colon study, chosen specifically when a leak or perforation in the large intestine is a concern rather than barium's usual role in screening for polyps or cancer. It is a common way to check the strength of a bowel join, called an anastomosis, after colorectal surgery, most often before a temporary stoma is reversed and normal bowel flow restored. Because this contrast is absorbed and cleared by the body if it escapes into the abdominal cavity, it avoids the more serious inflammatory reaction that a barium leak in the same setting can cause.
The images check whether the contrast stays within the bowel or leaks out at a surgical join, along with any narrowing or blockage near that site. This study is read specifically for the integrity of the join being examined, not for the wider polyp and cancer screening a standard barium enema is used for.
Where a standard barium enema outlines the colon to look for polyps, cancer, or diverticula, a Conray enema is used in a narrower, more specific situation: checking whether a surgical bowel join is intact and not leaking.
After colorectal surgery, a segment of bowel is rejoined, called an anastomosis, and confirming that join has healed before reversing a temporary stoma is a common reason this test gets ordered. The water-soluble contrast is used specifically because a leak at this stage is possible, and barium leaking into the abdominal cavity in that situation carries a real risk of serious inflammation.
If this contrast does escape through a leak, it is absorbed from the surrounding tissue and cleared by the body rather than remaining in the abdominal cavity the way barium would. This is the specific clinical reason Conray, not barium, is used whenever a leak or perforation is a genuine possibility.
It's chosen specifically when a leak at a surgical bowel join is a real possibility, since water-soluble contrast is absorbed and cleared safely if it escapes the bowel, unlike barium. This is most common before a temporary stoma is reversed.
No, this study is focused on whether a specific surgical join is intact, not on general screening for polyps or cancer. A standard or double contrast barium enema is used for that purpose instead.
Your surgeon will use the result to decide next steps, which could include delaying stoma reversal or further treatment. They will walk you through what the finding means for your recovery.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Yes, the contrast is introduced through the rectum in a similar way, though the volume and pressure used are managed carefully around a healing surgical join.
The pressure used to fill the bowel is kept gentle for this reason, and timing after surgery is chosen carefully. Your surgical team decides when this test is appropriate for you.
You may feel some pressure or mild cramping as the contrast fills the bowel, but it is not usually described as painful. Tell the technologist if discomfort feels significant.
Preparation after bowel surgery is specific to your situation and your surgeon's instructions. Ask your surgical team or the centre directly rather than following general enema preparation advice.