Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for a radiology investigation called a defecating proctogram. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
The investigation uses X-ray fluoroscopy to examine the lower bowel and rectum to show how it functions during the emptying of your bowels. The images obtained will help us understand what is causing your symptoms. Fluoroscopy is a process that uses X-rays to produce a real time moving image on a television monitor.
Before your appointment
Please let us know if:
- there is any possibility you may be pregnant.
- you have limited mobility and / or requiring a hoist
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On the day of procedure
There is no preparation for this examination, you may eat and drink normally. Continue to take your normal medication unless otherwise instructed
On Arrival
Please arrive 45 minutes before your appointment time.
The Radiology / X-Ray Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital. You should follow the directions from the main hospital entrance. On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist.
All patients from 12-55 years of age (regardless of gender) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant.
Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you. The Radiology Department can be very busy, please bring only one relative or friend with you.
The Examination
Prior to the imaging part of the procedure, you are required to drink a special drink. This drink is made up of x-ray contrast that will show up on the images we take. This drink needs to be finished at least 30 mins before we start taking images to ensure it is in the correct part of your bowel.
Before entering the procedure room, you will be asked to change into a gown.
Your procedure will be performed by a radiologist who will be assisted by a radiographer.
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment so the radiologist (doctor specializing in medical imaging) will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent.
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment and an examination will only be performed if you consent to it. The radiologist (doctor specializing in medical imaging) will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the scan or are undecided, please tell the radiologist. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time. The examination is performed respecting patient privacy and dignity as much as possible. Please do not feel embarrassed about the procedure.
At the start of the examination you will be asked to lie on your side on the x-ray table whilst barium paste is introduced into your rectum via a small tube. The tube will be removed after the paste has been inserted.
You will then be helped off the x-ray table.
The x-ray table is then repositioned and a portable toilet is placed onto the step in front of the x-ray table for you to sit on. At this point we would like you to try and retain the paste.
When the equipment is ready and you are sitting on the portable toilet the radiographer will begin to record images. Firstly, we will take three images at rest, squeezing and straining whilst you remain seated.
Next you will be asked to push out the paste until you feel empty. Do not worry if you cannot push out the paste, we will still be getting relevant and helpful information from the images obtained.
When we have completed taking images we will then show you to the toilet. You may spend as long as you like in the toilet, until you feel more comfortable. You will then be able to get dressed.
The procedure takes around 30 minutes, but please expect to be with us for an hour to 1.5hrs in total. Please note that the examination could be performed by either a male or a female Radiologist.
After the Examination
After the examination is completed you will be free to resume your daily activities.
If barium is used this can cause constipation which can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids. You may resume your normal diet.
Results
The results of the examination will be sent to the consultant or specialist screening
practitioner who referred you. This can take up to 4 weeks.
Risks
-
X-rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Exposure to medical X-rays carries a small additional risk, but your doctor feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having the test and the amount of radiation you will receive is kept to as low as reasonably possible.
-
Abdominal discomfort. This should get better as you move around and start to eat.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.2
Approval date:
2 October 2024
Review date:
2 October 2027
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.