You have been advised to have an evacuation proctogram. This is an X-ray procedure that looks at how your rectum (back passage) is working during bowel emptying (while you are having a poo).
What are the benefits of the procedure?
Evacuating proctography can help to find a diagnosis if you have anal or rectal symptoms. We will also be able to see if you have any weakness of the muscles in your pelvic area.
Are there any alternatives?
A few centres in the country can offer MR proctography as an alternative, however this is not available in Rotherham. Another alternative is endoanal ultrasound to look at the anatomy of your sphincter (a ring of muscle at the end of your rectum).
Your referring healthcare professional will discuss these with you if they are suitable for you.
Can I have this procedure if I am pregnant?
No, this examination cannot take place if you are pregnant and must only take place during the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle (counting day 1 as the first day of your period). If there is any possibility of you being pregnant then you must tell a member of staff.
If you need advice on this, please contact either the Clinical Radiology Appointment Clerk on 01709 423132 or 01709 427086 to speak to a nurse.
What should I do before the procedure?
There is no physical preparation for this procedure. You may eat and drink normally before the procedure. You can take any medications you are prescribed.
If you also have a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy booked within 7 days before or after your proctogram appointment, please call the Radiology department on 01709 423132 to rearrange your proctogram to another date.
Some patients may need to drink a barium liquid before the procedure. If you need to do this you will be asked to attend the Radiology department 1 hour before your appointment time, to be able to drink the liquid before the examination. The barium liquid helps healthcare professionals to see your small bowel, and it takes about 1 hour for the liquid to reach this area.
What will happen in the procedure?
When you arrive in Radiology you will be asked to change into an examination gown. We will check your details and whether you have any allergies. A healthcare professional will explain the procedure and you can ask any questions you have.
The person who is carrying out the procedure is a specially trained Radiographer or Doctor called a Radiologist. A Radiology Nurse will also be present throughout the examination.
You will be asked to lie on a patient trolley on your left hand side. Please let Radiology know before you attend your appointment if you would find this position difficult. Barium paste will be passed in to your rectum (bottom) via a syringe.
You will be asked to try to hold the barium paste in your rectum and you will move from the patient trolley on to a toilet which is next to the X-ray machine.
We will let you know when to empty the barium paste in to the toilet whilst X-ray images are taken. A screen will be used to give you privacy whilst this happens.
The barium paste used for proctogram procedures is only licensed for oral use. It has, however, been deemed safe for rectal administration and is therefore used as an unlicensed product for proctogram procedures. This will be explained to you when you come to your appointment.
Will it hurt?
There should be very little or no discomfort during the procedure. There should also be no unpleasant after effects.
How long will the examination last?
The procedure will take about 15 minutes, although sometimes it may be longer as each person is different. Please expect to be in the department for half an hour, or if you have had the barium drink, please expect to be at the appointment for an hour and a half.
After the examination
You may follow your normal diet, but will be advised to increase your fluid intake for the rest of the day. You may notice some white barium in your faeces (poo) for a few days, which is normal.
The results will be sent to the healthcare professional who referred you for this procedure, who will discuss them with you either by phone, letter, or at your next clinic appointment.
How to contact us
Radiology
B level, junction 1
For general enquires about your appointment telephone call 01709 423132
For enquiries about preparation for your examination, or to speak to a Radiology Nurse call 01709 427086
You may reach an answering machine. Please leave your name and contact number, and the nurse will phone you back between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.