Radiology Services – Medical Imaging & Radiology Center
Colon X Ray – Imaging Center
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Please report to Admitting 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time. PREP: In order to do an x-ray examination of your colon, it is essential that your bowel be empty. You will be given an E-Z EM prep kit with step by step instructions. You are not to eat anything after midnight. If you think you are pregnant, please tell your doctor. This procedure may be harmful to the fetus. PURPOSE: A colon exam involves filling the large intestine or colon with a barium substance; this allows the colon to be visualized by x-ray. WHAT TO EXPECT: You will put on a hospital gown and be brought to an x-ray exam room. The room will be darkened during the test. You will be asked to lie on your left side, while an x-ray technologist gently inserts the tip of a well-lubricated enema tube into your rectum. A small balloon at the end of the tube is inflated to help keep the barium inside. A barium solution will then be given through this tube into the colon. You will be asked to retain the barium solution while your x-rays are being taken. After the required x-rays are taken, the barium will be allowed to drain out of your colon, the enema tube will be removed, and you will be taken to the bathroom to expel any remaining barium. When you are done in the bathroom another x-ray will be taken. POST EXAM INFORMATION: When you have your first few bowel movements you will notice barium in your stool. This is normal. If you become constipated, or begin bleeding from your rectum, notify your nurse or physician. Your physician will discuss the results of this test with you. TIME FRAME: Approximately 1 hour. |
