How Do You Prepare For A Defecography? In defecography, the anus, rectum, and pelvic floor are continuously imaged while the subject is having a bowel movement to look for any anatomical or functional issues.
A caulking gun-like instrument will be used to inject a thick barium paste into the man or woman’s rectum in order to obtain an accurate picture of a bowel movement. As the paste is gradually released from the intestine, the barium makes sure that the X-ray images have a strong contrast.
To avoid radiation exposure, defecography can alternatively be conducted using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Cinedefecography is a common name for the method where real-time X-ray video is used.
What Is Defecography?
A defecography is a type of X-ray exam used to assess the function of the rectum and anal canal. The test is also called dynamic pelvic floor study, evacuation proctography, or anorectal manometry defecography.
During a defecography, you will be asked to insert a small, soft balloon into your rectum. The balloon is then inflated with water. You will be asked to move from one position to another and to bear down as if you are having a bowel movement. This allows the radiologist to see how well your rectum and anal canal are working.
The test may be used to diagnose problems such as:
• Anismus (inability to relax the anal sphincter muscles)
• Rectocele (herniation of the rectum into the vagina)
• Intussusception (telescoping of the intestines)
• Pelvic floor prolapse
Why Is A Defecography Performed?
A defecography is performed to assess how well the rectum and anus are working to store and pass stool. The procedure involves filling the rectum with a contrast material, and then taking X-rays or an MRI to see how the contrast moves through the rectum and anus.
The test can help identify problems such as anal fistulas, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, or nerve damage that can cause problems with bowel movements. In some cases, a defecography can also be used to help plan surgery for these conditions.
How Do You Prepare For A Defecography
If you are preparing for a defecography, there are a few things you can do to make sure the procedure goes smoothly. First, it is important to empty your bowels before the procedure.
This can be done by taking a laxative or by enema. You will also need to refrain from eating or drinking for four hours before the procedure. When you arrive for your defecography, you will be asked to undress and put on a gown. You will then be positioned on an X-ray table and a rectal tube will be inserted into your rectum.
The tube will be filled with contrast material, which will help the radiologist see your pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter on the X-ray images. Once the contrast material has been injected, you will be asked to move your bowels into a toilet while more X-ray images are taken. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
What can you expect during the procedure?
A defecography is a special x-ray test that shows how well you are able to move your bowels. The test is also called an evacuation proctogram.
The test is done by putting a liquid, called barium, into your rectum through a small tube. The barium coats the inside of your rectum and bowel so that they can be seen on an x-ray.
You will then be asked to have a bowel movement. The x-ray will show how well you are able to move the barium through your rectum and bowel.
You may feel some cramping during the procedure. This is normal and will go away when the procedure is over.
What Are The Risks of A Defecography?
There are a few risks associated with defecography. These include:
– Discomfort: The procedure involves inserting a small, soft balloon into the rectum. This can cause some discomfort.
– Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding from the site where the balloon is inserted.
– Infection: There is also a small risk of infection at the insertion site.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Defecography?
Defecography is a radiologic study that uses fluoroscopy to assess the function of the rectum and anal canal. The test is performed by having the patient fill their rectum with barium contrast material and then taking x-ray images. The barium contrast allows for visualization of the rectum and anal canal on the x-ray images.
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Recovery from the procedure is typically quick, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a few hours. Some patients may experience some minor cramping or bloating after the procedure, which can be relieved with over-the-counter medications.
Indications for Use
While defecography has fallen out of favor in recent years due to inadequate training in the technique, it offers doctors a more dynamic evaluation of the variety of problems affecting the anus and rectum.
Among them:
- Anal pain
- Chronic constipation
- Fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements)
- Incomplete evacuation (inability to clear the bowels entirely)
- Rectal prolapse (where the rectum slips outside of the anus)
- Cystocele (bulging of the bladder into the vagina)
- Enterocele (bulging of the small bowel into the vagina and rectum)
- Rectocele (bulging of the wall of the rectum into the vagina)
- Dyssynergic defecation (where certain nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor fail to work during a bowel movement)
What to Expect
Unlike a colonoscopy, you may not need to undergo a complete clean-out preparation. Some centers may simply ask you to use an enema before your appointment. You would then need to refrain from eating for at least two hours prior to the exam.
To perform the procedure, barium paste would be slowly injected into the rectum until full. Filling it to capacity stimulates the nerves to empty the bowel as it does under normal conditions.
You would then be asked to sit on a special toilet to evacuate the paste. You would be instructed to squeeze and strain as you expel the paste entirely or as much as you can, As this is happening, either a series of X-ray or an X-ray video will be taken.
The procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes in total. While the exam may seem awkward and uncomfortable, it typically doesn’t cause any pain.
In some cases, the doctor may request that you drink a barium solution an hour before the exam so that images of your small intestine can also be taken. In women, a small amount of barium paste may be smeared on the vagina to get a better image of the space between the vaginal wall and rectum.
Final Note!
The value of a defecographic exam is largely limited by the expertise and experience of the radiological staff. To this end, it is important that the procedure is overseen and the results interpreted by a specialist experienced in anorectal motility.
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