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 This
examination is done to assess the colon, by coating its inner surface
with barium (a milk-like contrast material) and then distending it with
air. In this way, surface appearances can be studied and even small
abnormalities detected.
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.
Preparing your colon:
The colon needs to be free of waste
matter or fecal contents which could give rise to misleading x-ray
appearances similar to those of a tumor. For this purpose a Bowel
Preparation Kit can be purchased at any pharmacy.
On the day before your examiniation you may drink ONLY clear
liquids (water, juice, soup, tea or coffee without milk or sugar).
Be sure to drink a sufficient amount of fluid.
At 5:00 p.m. drink the entire contents of the bottle of
magnesium citrate (a laxative).
On the day of the examination: NOTHING further may be taken by
mouth. If your appointment is in the afternoon or if the laxatives
you have taken have not been very effective, you should use a
suppository.
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.
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You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table. A tube will be inserted
into the rectum by the radiographer. The radiologist will allow liquid
barium to flow gently into your rectum and this will be followed by the
introduction of air. You may be given an intravenous medication to relax
your colon. You will be asked to turn several times on the X-ray table
in order to outline and examine all parts of the colon. Films will be
taken by the radiologist.
Should you have any difficulty in holding the barium you will find ease
in taking deep, slow breaths. Do not hesitate to tell the radiologist
should you feel unduly uncomfortable as he may be able to give you
relief.
After the films have been taken you will be free to go to the bathroom
and eliminate the barium. Sometimes an x-ray film is required following
elimination.
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In most patients
with normal bowel habits barium will pass in one or two days in the form
of "white stools." We do recommend increasing fluid intake and the use
of a mild laxative particularly in patients with a history of
constipation.
The radiologist's report of the results will be ready within 24 hours.
Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you.
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.
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