|
To perform a study of the small bowel. You will be
asked to drink a quantity of barium sufficient to image your entire
small bowel.
If you are a woman of childbearing age and
there is a chance that you may be pregnant, please consult your
physician before scheduling this exam.
Medications can be taken prior to your test. Pills should be taken early
in the morning, with just a small amount of water. If you take insulin,
you must consult with your doctor about adjusting your dose. You should
not take insulin if you are fasting for your exam. However, you should
bring your insulin with you so you can take it after the exam. Also,
when making an appointment, tell the scheduler if you are diabetic.
Request an appointment time early in the day.
The presence of food or fluid materials would interfere with the
accuracy of the examination. It is therefore necessary to avoid all
intake of food or liquid from the hour of 9:00 p.m. of the day preceding
your appointment.
Patients less than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or
guardian. Please do not bring children with you to the appointment. Be
sure that your doctor's office has sent an x-ray request to us or that
you bring one with you.
Back to top
You will be asked to
change into a hospital gown.
The examination will be tailored to the symptoms that you are
experiencing. The test may include the study of the esophagus, stomach,
and duodenum. You will be asked to drink at least two cups of barium
suspension. Fluoroscopic images will be obtained by the radiologist.
X-ray films of the abdomen will be taken at 15-30 minute intervals to
study the progress of barium through the small bowel. It may take as
little as one hour or as long as four hours for the whole of the small
bowel to be shown in this way. It is not possible to predict exactly how
long the examination will take--it's different for each patient.
You may observe other patients who have arrived after you, completing
their examinations and leaving the department while yours is still in
progress. While this may be disconcerting, please understand that there
is no way of shortening the time of your own examination without
compromising its quality or accuracy.
Back to top
Resume your normal
diet. Increase your fluid intake and drink plenty of water. For most
patients with normal bowel habits the passage of barium in the form of
"white stools" will not be a problem. Patients with a history of
constipation may use a mild laxative.
The radiologist's report of the results will be ready within 24 hours.
Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you.
Back to top
Please call our hotline
16171 or (202) 3336-3310 (Mohandeseen), (202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or
(202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a radiologist if you have any
questions. It is best to call between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday
through Thursday.
|
