What is a Proctogram?
A Proctogram is an examination that uses x-rays to test how your lower abdominal and pelvic muscles work. It also tests how effectively they work when you empty your bowels. The examination uses a substance called Barium which shows up well on x-rays. The test will be done by a specialist Radiographer who is trained to do this procedure.
Sometimes we may not be able to do this examination. Please get in contact with the department if you have had any of these listed below:
• You have had recent rectal bleeding
• You have had surgery to the rectum or surrounding areas within the past 3 months
• You have had a colonoscopy with biopsies taken within 2 weeks of your appointment
• You have had a previous reaction to Barium.
Is it safe?
The radiation dose you receive from this examination is the equivalent of a few years of background radiation exposure. Measures are taken by the radiographer during the test to minimise this dose as much as possible. The information gained by this outweighs the risks.
Do I need to have this scan?
A doctor will have made sure that this is the best examination to investigate your symptoms.
If you have any concerns or would like further information please contact the Radiology department. If you do not understand why you need to have this test please speak to the doctor who referred you.
How do I prepare for my Proctogram?
There is no preparation for this. On the day of your examination you will be shown to a changing room. You will be asked to remove all clothes below your waist. You will then be given a gown to change into.
What if I am pregnant?
This scan should not be done if you are pregnant due to radiation risk to the unborn child. If you know that you are pregnant, or you think you may be pregnant, please contact the department on the numbers at the end of the leaflet. This test may need to be postponed.
What do I expect during the whole procedure?
Before the procedure
The Radiographer doing the test will go through a checklist to find out information like your symptoms and why you need this test. You will also be asked to fill in a form to make sure you are not pregnant. The test will then be explained to you in detail. The Radiographer will make sure you are comfortable enough to carry on. The test should not be painful but it may be slightly uncomfortable. The procedure can be stopped at any time.
During the procedure
The only people in the room will be the radiographer, a radiology assistant, and you. There may be another radiographer there to help and to carry out training in this procedure. You will be asked to lie on your left hand side on the x-ray bed, with your knees slightly bent. A small tube will then be inserted into your rectum. The barium paste will then be inserted slowly. The radiology assistant will be there to support you. You may experience a feeling of being full but this should not be painful. Once all of the barium is inserted the tube will be removed.
The Radiographer will then ask you to do some pelvic muscle exercises. These will be fully explained to you on the day.
When those exercises are complete you will be asked to move from the bed to a chair. This is so the x-ray equipment can be re-arranged.
You will then be asked to sit on the proctogram seat. This acts as a toilet that can be attached to the x-ray table. The radiographer and assistant will then stand behind a screen and a blind to give you as much privacy as possible. You will be asked you to do the same pelvic muscle exercises as before. Eventually you will be asked to pass the barium.
After the procedure
You will be shown to a toilet and given a towel and a cloth if you feel you need to clean up before getting dressed. Once you are dressed you are free to go.
The radiographer will tell you if there is any barium left and will explain that it will come out the next time you go to the toilet. Please be aware that the barium paste is white so do not to be alarmed. Barium does not act as a laxative. It will not affect how you go to the toilet.
Results
Your results will be sent to the doctor who referred you for this test. This is typically a consultant in the hospital. If you were referred by your GP they will receive your results. The radiographer will explain how long it will take for you to get your results. If you do not get your results within this timeline then please get in contact with the doctor who referred you.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact the appointments team.
If you have any questions about the test itself, please contact the radiology department on the number provided below. We will do our best to answer any questions you may have.
Appointments: 01228 814528
Radiology: 01228 814133
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302