This examination provides information about the large bowel, from the rectum to the appendix area.
What does it involve?
After an initial plain x-ray of the abdomen, the Radiologist will insert a small tube into the rectum. Barium is slowly administered through the tube so that it coats the surface of the bowel. Once the bowel has been coated, all excess barium is drained away and a small amount of air is inserted. This enables the Radiologist to obtain clear images of the bowel. To enable the bowel to relax, a small injection of a muscle relaxant may need to be given.
How long will it take?
This examination takes approximately 1 hour.
Is there any preparation?
To obtain the best results, the bowel must be free from food and gas. Medi-Prep (a laxative) is used in conjunction with a low fibre diet to ensure that the bowel is clean and empty by the time of the examination. It is important to follow the diet exactly, as failure to do so may result in the need to repeat the preparation. If you are on any sort of medication at the time of the examination, please continue to take it as prescribed. If you are diabetic, or have any special requirements, please let us know when booking your appointment and if you have any concerns please call our radiology nurse on 520 9550.
The day before the examination:
Breakfast
Eat a light breakfast, avoiding high fibre food, such as cereals.
Eat nothing before lunch but drink as much fluid as you wish.
12 noon
1 cup of clear soup with a dry cracker - no bread or toast.
1 glass of clear juice (i.e. apple)
1 serving of plain jelly - no ice cream or cream
Black tea or coffee, or any other fluid provided it does not contain milk or cream
1:00pm
Drink at least one full glass of water - you may have clear cordial if you wish
2:00pm
Drink at least one full glass of water - you may have clear cordial if you wish
5:00pm
1 cup of clear soup with a dry cracker - no bread or toast.
1 glass of clear juice (i.e. apple)
1 serving of plain jelly - no ice cream or cream
Dissolve Medi-Prep powder in 500mls of warm water and stir well. Cool in the fridge.
6:00pm
Drink half (250mls) of the Medi-Prep solution
Bowel motions should begin within 2 hours of drinking the solution. Several motions can be expected through the evening.
8:00pm:
Make sure you drink a minimum of two glasses of water before you go to bed. You may drink as much water as you wish up until 2 hours before your examination.
The day of the examination:
Do not eat any food at all prior to your examination and stop drinking water 2 hours before your appointment time.
Aftercare:
You can eat and drink normally afterwards. Drink plenty of fluid to help the barium wash through your system. If you have been given the muscle relaxant injection during the examination, you may experience slightly blurred vision for a short time afterwards. It may be advisable to ask someone to drive you home from your appointment.
If you have any concerns regarding this preparation, please do not hesitate to contact us on 520 9550.
