Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for a radiology
investigation called a tubogram. 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 fluoroscopy to examine a drain, catheter or similar tubing that has been previously inserted into your body using contrast which are liquids which are visible on X-ray. 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 chance of you being pregnant.
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off a couch.
- 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
You can eat and drink as normal prior to the investigation as normal.
If special feeding tube equipment is required (e.g. connecting tubes, syringes, etc), please could you bring this with you.
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scan 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
Your procedure will be performed by a radiologist, who will be working with a radiographer and a nurse. Once called, you may be asked to change into a gown. We will ask you to lie down on the scanner. A syringe containing the contrast dye will be attached to the tube in situ and images will be acquired after the dye is injected.
When we have completed taking images, the tubing may be flushed with sterile water and left in place, manipulated to be sited in a better location or removed if no longer required.
These options will be explained by the radiologist (doctor specialising in medical imaging) who is performing the procedure.
The procedure normally takes around 15 minutes, but please expect to be with us for an hour or so in total.
After the Examination
After the examination is completed you will be free to resume your daily activities.
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.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.28
Approval date:
2 October 2024
Review date:
2 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.