Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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This information is for patients who are about to undergo a prostate MRI scan.
An MRI scan creates pictures using magnetism and radio waves. It can show up abnormal areas in the prostate gland.
Before your MRI scan, you will need to follow the important advice contained in this leaflet.
We ask you to make some changes to your eating habits for 5 days before your scan. If you receive your appointment letter and this leaflet within 5 days of the date
of your scan, please make the adjustments for as long as you can.
Why is this information important?
Your bowel and rectum are both close to the area that the MRI scan is going to study.
To obtain a clear image - and for your comfort - it is important that your bowel and rectum are as clear of gas (wind) and faeces as possible.
The following advice is to ensure that your bowel has reduced gas on the day of your MRI.
You will need to try and empty your bowels before coming to the MRI department.
What do I need to do?
Please follow the dietary advice below for 5 days before your MRI scan.
You can usually take all your medicines as normal beforehand.
If you have any questions please contact the Urology CNS team on 0300 615 3809.
Rectal emptying
You will need to try and empty your bowels before coming to the MRI department. We do not want you to change your diet dramatically; however, the simple advice below is to help you have regular and daily bowel movements:
- Avoid food which makes you feel bloated or gives you excessive wind (see list below).
- Aim for 3 small easily digested meals each day with 2 or 3 snacks in between; this will help to keep your bowels regular.
- If the food is easier to chew then it will be easier for your body to digest it.
- Take time to eat your meals, instead of having them on the go. This will allow your body time to digest your food.
- Keep hydrated by drinking 6-8 cups of water per day. Limit caffeine - such as tea and coffee (or replace with decaffeinated versions).
- Limit drinking 30 minutes before and after meals; this will allow your food to be absorbed more effectively.
- Avoid fizzy drinks or diet drinks.
- Limit alcohol.
- Avoid spicy food.
- Take gentle exercise daily (e.g., short walks).
- Don’t start a diet 2 days prior to your MRI scan.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Baked beans, nuts, peas, lentils, red kidney beans, soya beans, pulses.
- Onions, sprouts, cabbage, broccoli.
- Prunes, kiwi fruit, raw apples, bananas.
All of the above food types increase gas in the bowel.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Urology service.
About this information
Service:
Urology
Reference:
Z/024
Approval date:
11 May 2026
Review date:
1 May 2029
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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.