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| X-Rays – What are they? |
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An X-ray is a high frequency, high energy wave form. It cannot be seen with the
naked eye, but can be picked up on photographic film.
What to expect?
You will have all metal objects removed from your body. You will be asked to
remain still in a specific position and hold your breath on command. The
examination time will vary depending on the type of procedure required, but as
a rule it will take around 30 minutes.
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| Barium Enema |
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This examination is designed to check the lining of the colon. Many patients
who have a strong family history of bowel cancer have a barium enema every 5
years or so.
What to expect?
The enema is performed by placing a small tube in the rectum. The colon is
partially filled with a white liquid called barium, then distended with gas.
The barium shows up well on x-rays, and the fine coating of barium on the bowel
lining will highlight any abnormalities.
X-rays have to be taken from different angles to obtain a complete evaluation.
The table has an x-ray TV camera, which is used to place the patient in the
correct position, and then x-rays are taken with a still camera.
This examination can be somewhat uncomfortable but it should not be painful
usually taking 30-40 minutes. You will be given dietary instructions at the
time for the following few days to ensure your system returns to normal
quickly.
Preparation
For this procedure the colon needs to be completely emptied, so we will give
you laxatives to take over the preceding 24 hours. You will be given further
instructions when you book in.
Your results
After the examination we recommend that you rest for a few hours as you may
experience some remaining discomfort. If your problem is urgent, the
radiologist will contact your doctor once the procedure is completed and he has
reviewed all the pictures and made his diagnosis.
If your problem is not urgent, your doctor will receive the pictures and the
radiologists report usually by the following day.
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| Barium Meal and Swallow |
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This test is used to investigate indigestion, heartburn or swallowing
difficulties.
It will show ulcers, inflammation and tumours of the oesophagus (or gullet),
stomach and duodeneum, as well as reflux, which is when acid in the stomach is
regurgitated into the gullet causing inflammation and heartburn.
The gullet, stomach, and duodenum do not show up well on ordinary x-rays so the
patient drinks a thin white liquid which coats the inside lining. The liquid
contains barium sulphate which shows up well on xrays, so that the detailed
texture of the stomach lining can be seen. An ulcer shows up as a little puddle
or crater in the barium coating, a tumour would show as a lump or a narrowing.
The procedure is performed on a special fluoroscopy table which has an x-ray
video camera and a still camera built into it. We watch the barium with the
video camera as it is swallowed, and then take still x-rays of the important
areas as needed. We also give the patient a tablet which makes gas in the
stomach. This distends the stomach so we can see the lining well. It is very
tempting to burp this gas up but that is not allowed! Often we give a small
intravenous injection to halt the normal contractions of the stomach for a
short time so that we can obtain good still pictures.
The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Preparation:
Your stomach must be empty of food residue and fluid for this test, so do not
eat or drink for six hours before your appointment time. After the procedure
you will find the barium can make the bowel motions somewhat firm so we
recommend that you have a good fluid and fibre intake for the next few days.
The barium is quite heavy and occasionally the bowel motions are difficult to
flush from the toilet.
Where:
Mercy Hospital
Botany Road Super Clinic
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| IVU - Intravenous Urogram |
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This a special x-ray of the kidneys that gives a view of the size, position,
and function of the kidneys and urinary system.
What to expect?
For an IVU you lie on a table and are given an intravenous injection, usually
in the elbow, of a fluid called contrast. X-rays will be taken over the next 20
minutes as the kidneys absorb the contrast from the blood and excrete it into
the urine.
You should expect this test to take an hour. Occasionally we find that a kidney
is very slow to excrete the contrast into the collecting system. In this case
we may need to take extra x-rays up to 24 hours later. We may also need to
supplement the IVU with an ultrasound or CT scan.
Preparation
You need to fast (no food or drink) for at least four hours before this test.
If you do drink it dilutes the contrast and we will not get very good pictures.
Your Results
After the examination you will be able to return to your normal activities.
If your problem is urgent, the radiologist may contact your doctor to discuss
the result once he has viewed all the films and made his diagnosis.
If your problem is not urgent your doctor will receive the pictures and the
radiologists report usually the next day.
Appointments
To make an appointment for your x-ray examination, please phone the most
convenient location listed.
If you still have questions about your examination, ask your doctor or contact
us direct.
Our staff will be pleased to help you.
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