Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for an MRI scan. The investigation uses MRI to examine the lower bowel and rectum to show how it functions during the emptying of your bowels. 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 Procedure
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an examination using strong magnetic field and radio waves by lying on a flat table inside a scanner (a large, hollow tube open at both ends) that produces detailed cross-sectional images of your body. These images are cross-sectional (like slices) and are used to produce detailed 2D and 3D images of the organs and other internal structures inside of your body and helps us make a diagnosis or monitor your treatment. Unlike X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI scans do not use radiation. It is a safe, painless technique with no known risks, provided the safety questionnaire is correctly completed.
Before your appointment
Due to the strong magnetic field used by the scanner, people with certain types of medical implants or devices may not be able to be scanned. Some examples: people fitted with a pacemaker, some types of head surgery, certain metal implants or if there has ever been any injury to the eyes involving metal fragments.
Please review the MRI safety questionnaire enclosed in this letter and fill this in before your appointment. This can be completed on paper and should be brought to the appointment.
Where indicated this can also be completed online.
If you answer yes to any of the questions, please call the department.
Please also let us know if:
- you normally require the Vascular Access Team for injections
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off the scanner.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
- there is any possibility that you may be pregnant. 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.
- you are severely claustrophobic as we can contact your referrer who may prescribe medication to help you relax. Please await our further instructions for when to take the medication on the day of scan and you will be unable to drive following the procedure. We cannot prescribe this medication for you in the MRI department.
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).
Day of Procedure
Part of the required preparation for your scan will be the need for a glycerine suppository - a small capsule that goes into your bottom and has a laxative effect helping to empty your back passage. Please obtain one from your local pharmacy before day of appointment.
This should be used at home in the morning before attending for your appointment. This may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. The suppository may need time to take effect and this varies from person to person, and you may need to use the toilet a few times until your back passage is empty.
Food and Drink
To prepare your small bowel for the study, you must not eat anything for at least 4 hours prior to your scan, and may only drink clear fluids (eg water, squash or black tea/coffee).
On Arrival
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scan time.
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.
What to wear
You will not be able to wear anything inside the scanner room that contains any metal. This includes zips, metal buttons, poppers or metallic print. We will provide you a hospital gown.
Some makeup products also contain metal particles and should be avoided.
The procedure
- A Radiographer or Health Care Professional will call you from the waiting room for your MRI scan. As other patients are having different scans and tests whilst you wait, you may note other patients being called out of order of arrival.
- You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. We will provide a locker in which you can store your metal items, watches, credit cards etc. But these may be best left at home, as the Trust cannot accept responsibility for any lost or stolen items.
- We will ask you a series of questions to make sure the scan is safe and can then go ahead.
- We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment and an internal examination will only be performed if you consent to it. The radiologist or radiographer performing your procedure 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 us.
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. - When you are ready a Radiographer will call you through into the scan room and ask you to lie down on the MRI scanner table. We will use pads, cushions and supports to help make you more comfortable for the scan. It is important to be as comfortable as possible from the beginning to help you keep still throughout. A ‘receiving device’ like an aerial, may be placed behind or around the abdomen. This detects the tiny radio signals emitted from the body during the scan.
- A small tube will then be placed into your bottom and 100mls of water gel (the same used for an ultrasound scan) inserted. You will need to hold the gel in until given specific instructions. Disposable underwear will be provided, along with absorbent padding.
- The MRI scanner will make very loud and unusual noises whilst taking your pictures.
Earphones and/or earplugs will be given. - The radiographers will be in the MRI control room but you will be able to talk to them via an intercom, and they will be watching you all the time. You will also be given a buzzer to press if you need to attract our attention during your scan.
- During the scan you may experience tingling in your hands and feet and may feel an increase in body temperature. These are normal sensations.
There will be instructions given to you during the scans (you may wish to practice these at home) which may include:
- Clench, count to three and relax continuously during a scan
- Clench, relax and then push (as if going to the toilet) - If the gel is not fully expelled, you may be asked to go to the toilet and return to the scan room for further images.
- The scan itself can take between 15 - 45 minutes.
After the Examination
Following your scan, a toilet will be available and you will be given access to changing facilities to clean up and get changed. Wet wipes should be made available and you are welcome to bring anything else with you that may help you feel clean before you leave. You can eat and drink as normal, and it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids until your bowel movements return to normal. You will be free to resume your normal daily activities.
The Results
The results of your scan will not be given to you immediately after the scan. The images are interpreted by a Radiologist (doctor specializing in medical imaging) and sent back to your Consultant or GP who referred you for the scan. The result will be sent to your referring Doctor. This can take up to 4 weeks
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-MRI.7
Approval date:
3 October 2024
Review date:
3 October 2027
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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.