Radiology - MRI Defaecating Proctogram

Please read the information and follow the instructions carefully.

Please report to Fairfield General Hospital Radiology Reception, entering through the main entrance. The Radiology Department is opposite the Outpatients department on the ground floor.

Please make sure that you read this leaflet carefully to help you get ready for the test.

Introduction

This leaflet tells you about the procedure known as an MRI Defaecating Proctogram. It explains what is involved and what the possible risks are.

Why do I need an MRI Defaecating Proctogram?

Your doctor has decided that you need an investigation of your rectum (back passage), to see how the muscles work when you try to go to the toilet. This test may be performed as part of a series of other tests.

What is an MRI Defaecating Proctogram?

It is an examination of your rectum (back passage) and will see how it works when you try to empty your bowels.

Who has made the decision?

Your doctor has decided that this examination will help to see what happens when you go to the toilet to empty your bowels. It may help to explain some of your symptoms. This test may be performed as part of a series of other tests.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

A similar examination can be performed using x-rays (ionising radiation).

Other procedures can be done which to see how your rectum works. These include manometry (pressure tests). However, these investigations are often needed as well as this procedure. The benefit of an MRI Defaecating Proctogram is that it shows a live image of how the muscles of your back passage work and does not use ionising radiation.

Who will be doing the MRI Defaecating Proctogram?

A doctor called a Radiologist (please note this may be a male radiologist) supported by trained specialist radiographers.

The Radiologists are specialists in interpreting the images produced whilst the Radiographers are professionals trained to operate the MRI scanner.

They need to look at these images while carrying out the procedure, to make sure that everything your doctor is interested in is seen.

What if I am pregnant?

Please inform the MRI department if there is any possibility of pregnancy.

How do I prepare for an MRI Defaecating Proctogram?

There is no preparation before attending for this appointment. On arrival you will be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown. Please bring a dressing gown with you as you may have to wait in the MRI X-ray waiting room.

Patients are asked to arrive one hour before their scan time to insert a Glycerin suppository into their rectum. This empties the rectum prior to the test.

What actually happens during an MRI Defaecating Proctogram?

The examination consists of a number of MRI images or sequences. Plain images are performed initially to assess the general anatomy. Part way though the examination, the Radiologist will insert a small tube into your rectum (back passage).

The Radiologist will then insert gel into the rectum to fill the rectum for imaging. After some further imaging, you will be asked to pass the gel onto a pad whilst the Radiologist observes the images produced and assesses the general anatomy.

The whole procedure should take 40 minutes once in the MRI scanning room. After, you will be shown to a private toilet located in the MRI waiting room.

Although you may find this examination embarrassing, it is a very routine examination, and the staff will do everything to put you at ease.

Will it hurt?

The examination may be a little uncomfortable but should not be painful.

How long will it take?

Generally, the examination takes around 40 minutes, but occasionally may take longer. You will need to allow extra time after the examination to use the toilet and make sure you are comfortable before you leave the department.

Please be aware that you are booked one hour early to administer the Glycerine suppository.

What happens afterwards?

You will be able to leave the department as soon as you are comfortable.

What happens next?

The results of your examination will be sent to the hospital consultant who referred you for this test. They will contact you once they have looked at your results.

Are there any risks or complications?

It is important to notify the MRI department of metallic or electronic implants. Please complete the safety screening form prior to the examination.

Defaecating Proctogram is a safe examination.

It is possible that a little bleeding may occur from the back passage following the test, but this generally stops without the need for any action.

What if I decide not to have the Defaecating Proctogram done?

You will be able to discuss any concerns you have with the radiologist or radiographer. If you then decide not to go ahead with the examination, we will write to your referring doctor to let them know.

Asking for consent

We will ask you to sign a consent form once you are in the department. This confirms that you agree to have the procedure and understand what it involves.

What if I am claustrophobic?

If you are claustrophobic, we recommend you consult with your referrer who may prescribe medication. We cannot prescribe this medication for you in the MRI department.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any questions about your examination or cannot make the appointment, please telephone the Booking Office on Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.00pm using the following numbers:

Booking Office - 01706 906207

If you need an interpreter for your examination please call the department so that we can try to arrange this.

I need an ambulance; how do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance you must ask your GP surgery to arrange this for you.

You should give them at least 3 working days’ notice.

Please inform the X-ray department if you are arriving by ambulance.

Other sources of information

We hope your questions have been answered in this leaflet. Further information regarding the examination can be found on the internet.

Websites

For general information about radiology departments, please visit The Royal College of Radiologists website:
www.goingfora.com
www.rcr.ac.uk

NHS 111 Service- when its less urgent than 999.

If you require any further information about this procedure, please contact:
MRI Department, Radiology, Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Old Rd, Bury, BL9 7TD - Telephone 0161 778 3815.