Barium Enemas & Gastrografin Enemas
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) and IVP with Tomograms
Voiding Cystourethrogram/Cystogram/Retrograde Urethrogram
Hysterosalpingograms (HSG)
Barium Enemas & Gastrografin Enemas
Offered at Baptist, Homestead and South Miami Hospitals, and Baptist Outpatient Center.
What you should know about Barium Enemas, Gastrografin Enemas, Air-contrast Barium Enemas (also known as Double Contrast Enemas) and Barium Enemas through the Colostomy.
What are barium enemas, air-contrast barium enemas/colostomy Barium/Gastrografin Enemas?
Your physician has ordered a barium enema or barium enema with gastrografin. A barium enema is an X-ray of the large intestine (colon).
This X-ray can also be ordered as a barium enema with air contrast. Depending on your diagnosis and clinical history, the technique will vary.
Barium (a white liquid) or gastrografin is used to outline or fill the colon. This enables visualization of the colon under X-ray. The procedure is done to assess for polyps or anemia. If you have a colostomy, this may be done prior to having the stoma closed.
What are the general procedures for Barium Enemas/Gastrografin?
You will be asked to lie on a special table in a dimly lit room. To make the large intestine visible on the X-ray, a chalky white liquid called barium is put into the intestine during the test. You will be positioned on your side for the enema tubing to be inserted into your rectum. Your intestine will be filled with barium. (It is important that you do not expel the enema so the pictures may be taken.) You will be asked to change positions at times, and will have to hold your breath for a few seconds as the pictures are taken.
Please contact your physician within 7-10 days to discuss the results.
Preparation
You will need to purchase the following items in order to prepare yourself for the barium enema examination (these items may be found at any pharmacy including CVS and Walgreens):
- 1 2-ounce bottle of citrate of magnesium
- 1 2-ounce bottle of castor oil
- 1 Fleets enema kit (single dose)
Two days before the X-ray, you will need to drink a lot of water for flushing purposes.
If possible, keep to a clear liquid diet for two days prior to the examination.
The day before the examination:
- Take two ounces of citrate of magnesium at 12 noon.
- Take two ounces of castor oil at 4 p.m. (If you are taking Droperidol or Levometh Skip this step)
- Drink at least 10 eight-ounce glasses of water during the afternoon and evening.
- Drink only clear liquids for dinner. These may include clear bouillon, gelatin (no red flavors), coffee, tea or carbonated beverages. NO MILK OR MILK PRODUCTS.
On the morning of the examination:
- Take fleet enema one hour prior to the exam.
- Take nothing by mouth except for one cup of coffee or tea with NO MILK or MILK PRODUCTS.
- As an alternative to the barium enema prep, your doctor may prescribe Colyte. Follow the directions on the package.
- Patients with a colostomy need to bring an extra bag with them.
- Patients for Gastrografin enemas need to let their physicians and scheduling representative know that they have an iodine allergy or if they are asthmatic.
If you have diabetes, please let our scheduling representative know, so that you can be given the earliest possible appointment. Also, bring a snack with you to eat after the procedure is over. It is important to tell the technologist that you have diabetes.
The technologist will need to know if there is any possibility that you are pregnant or if you are nursing.
You may eat after the procedure, but please refrain from having anything spicy or greasy that day. Eat moderately. In addition, please drink 8-10 glasses of water during the day. This will help flush the remainder of the barium from your system. You may also experience some diarrhea after the exam. This is normal and is a result of the prep from the previous day.
Instructions for Children
Offered at Baptist Children's Hospital only. If child is
- 0-6 months - No milk or solid foods for 4 hours prior to the exam
- 7-36 months - No milk or solid foods for 6 hours prior to the exam
- 3+ years - No milk or solid foods for 8 hours prior to the exam
Bowel Prep
The day before the exam, give the child a laxative (Milk of Magnesia), according to the child's weight. Weight Instructions
- Under 20 lbs. - No laxative.
- 21-32 lbs. - 1 ½ tsp.
- 33-43 lbs. - 2 tsp.
- 44-54 lbs. - 2 ½ tsp.
- 55-65 lbs. - 3 tsp.
- 66-76 lbs. - 3 ½ tsp.
- 77-87 lbs. - 4 tsp.
- 88-98 lbs. - 5 tsp.
- 99-109 lbs. - 6 tsp.
- 110-120 lbs. - 7 tsp.
- Over 120 lbs. - 8 tsp.
Three hours before the exam, give the Fleet enema (available at local drugstores, including CVS and Walgreens, without a prescription).
What is an Air-Contrast Enema?
Half of your colon will be filled with barium, and then drained; after this the radiologist will have the technologist put several puffs of air into the colon. This distends the colon, giving you a bloated feeling.
The exam takes about 12-15 minutes while the technologist takes several pictures with you in different positions. Once the technologist gets the last picture, you will be allowed to go to the bathroom. Once you finish in the bathroom, you will come out for 2-3 last pictures. Then you will be sent back to the dressing room and wait to be released by the technical assistant.
You may eat in moderation. Please do not eat spicy or greasy foods. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the rest of the day to help flush your system. This will help keep you from becoming constipated. You may still experience some diarrhea from the prep from the previous day. This is normal.
The equipment used for your procedure requires a very cold environment. Please bring a sweater.
Please leave all valuables at home.
Please contact your physician within 7-10 days to discuss the results.
What is a Barium Enema through the Colostomy? The first part of the exam is done like a regular barium enema. Once you finish in the bathroom, the technologist will assist you back to the table. Next you will lie down on your back, and the technologist will proceed to remove your colostomy bag and place a catheter into the stoma.
Afterward, the technologist will inflate a balloon on the end of the catheter. The radiologist will then start the fluoro, and the technologist will start the barium. Once the radiologist gets the necessary pictures, the technologist will take several pictures, remove the catheter and reattach your bag, allowing as much barium as possible to empty back into the bag. At this time you will be asked to go into the bathroom once more to empty your bag. Then you will come back into the room so the technologist can take more pictures. After this you will be asked to return to the dressing room to wait to be released by the technical assistant.
If you have any questions about these instructions or have any other concerns, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are allergic to iodine, your doctor must prescribe Medrol.
- 32 mg 12 hours prior to exam
- 32 mg 2 hours prior to exam
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Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) and IVP with Tomograms
Preparation for IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA, DIABETES OR ARE ALLERGIC TO IODINE; PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS.
• If you are taking medications, consult your physician prior to taking this preparation.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:
Buy:
- 1 Phos-pho soda 1.5 oz. or 1 bottle Citrate of Magnesium.
- 4 Bisacodyl tablets.
- Bisacodyl suppository or single dose Fleet enema.
The preparation for any adult patient under 100 lbs. is to drink Phos-pho soda only.
Preparation for an IVP procedure must begin the morning prior to the procedure. An IVP procedure requires at least 24 hours preparation.
For example, if you are scheduled at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, please begin the preparation at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.
One day before your exam
8:00 a.m. Take light liquid meal (coffee, tea, clear fruit juices, Gelatin without fruit or vegetables, sherbet, Italian ice, popsicles). No solid food, dairy products, and non-dairy creamers. Please do not drink carbonated beverages, grapefruit or orange juice.
9:00 a.m. Drink 8 oz. clear liquids (apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, coffee, tea, Gatorade or water).
10:00 a.m. Drink 8 oz. clear liquids (same as above).
11:00 a.m. Drink 8 oz. clear liquids. (same as above).
12:30 p.m. Take 1.5 oz. of Phos-pho soda. Take light liquid meal (bouillon, clear juices, gelatin without fruit or vegetables, clear soups.
2:00 p.m. Drink 8 oz. clear liquids
3:00 p.m. Drink 8 oz. clear liquids
4:00 p.m. Drink 8 oz. clear liquids
6:00 p.m. Take light liquid meal (bouillon, clear juices, clear liquids, gelatin without fruit or vegetables, clear soups).
9:30 p.m. Take all four (4) tablets of Bisacodyl. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or dissolve tablets. Take all four (4) tablets unless doctor indicates otherwise.
You are allowed to have as much clear liquids and gelatin (without fruit or vegetables) as you like during the preparation of your test.
After midnight do not have anything to eat or drink.
At least one hour before leaving for your exam, use a suppository or single dose Fleet enema. Lie on left side or knee-chest position. Insert toward navel. Wait 15 minutes before evacuating, even if urge is strong.
IF YOUR APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN SCHEDULED AFTER 12:00 P.M., YOU MAY HAVE A CLEAR LIQUID BREAKFAST BEFORE 9:00 A.M.
THE MORNING OF YOUR EXAM, AFTER YOUR CLEAR LIQUID BREAKFAST, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM EATING OR DRINKING UNTIL AFTER THE EXAMINATION.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at either:
• Baptist Hospital of Miami 786-596-6595
• Baptist Outpatient Center 786-596-7259
If you have followed all the instructions carefully, your system should now be clean, clear and ready for your examination.
If you are a diabetic, please bring a snack which you can eat right after the procedure. You can also substitute sugar free drinks containing Nutrasweet and sugar free popsicles.
DISREGARD SUPPOSITORY
If you are allergic to iodine, your doctor must prescribe Medrol.
- 32 mg 12 hours prior to exam
- 32 mg 2 hours prior to exam
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Voiding Cystourethrogram/Cystogram/Retrograde Urethrogram
Offered at Baptist, Doctors, South Miami and Homestead Hospitals.
What Is It?
Your physician has ordered a voiding cystourethrogram. This procedure is done to assess urinary tract infections, reflux, and incontinence. A cystogram is done for neurogenic bladders and post-op for leaks in the bladder. A retrograde urethrogram is done to check for strictures in the urethra in males.
What are the general procedures for Voiding Cystourethogram/Cystogram?
You will be asked to change into a gown and remove everything except for your shoes. Place your belongings in a locker, put in the token and take the key. Have a seat and wait for the technologist to take you to the X-ray room.
The technologist will take a picture, then you will have a catheter put into your bladder. Once the catheter is in place, the technologist will start a drip with a contrast to fill your bladder. It is necessary that you try to hold as much of the contrast as possible. Once the bladder is full, the technologist will take three pictures of your bladder. If you are having a voiding cystourethrogram, the technologist will pull the catheter out and take pictures while you are voiding on the table. After this you will be asked to go to the bathroom and empty the remainder of the contrast from your bladder. You will be given a clean gown to put on. If you are having a cystogram, the technologist will drain the contrast into your urine bag (if you come in for the exam and already have a catheter in) or just pull the catheter out and have you go to the bathroom and empty your bladder. You will then return for one more picture and your exam will be complete.
Please call your physician within 5-7 working days to discuss the results.
Preparation
No preparation is necessary for this procedure. Females should wait until the end of their menstruation before scheduling a voiding cystourethrogram/cystogram.
The technologist will need to know if there is any possibility that you are pregnant or if you are nursing.
Retrograde Urethrogram (males only)
A technologist will come and take you to the X-ray room. The technologist will take a picture and then the radiologist will come in. He will place a small catheter into the penis and inject contrast and take pictures of the urethra.
Please call your physician within 5-7 days to discuss the results.
If you are allergic to iodine, your doctor must prescribe Medrol.
- 32 mg 12 hours prior to exam
- 32 mg 2 hours prior to exam
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Hysterosalpingograms (HSG)
Offered at Baptist, Doctors, Homestead and South Miami Hospitals, and Baptist Outpatient Center.
What is It?
Your physician has ordered a hysterosalpingogram. This procedure views the uterus and fallopian tubes. Using X-rays and iodine contrast materials, the physician is able to see the inside cavity of the uterus and determine whether or not the fallopian tubes are blocked. This procedure is ordered when a woman has difficulty getting pregnant.
When should I have the procedure?
The best time for the procedure is before you ovulate, between the seventh and tenth days of your menstrual cycle. Do not have intercourse from the first day of your menstrual cycle until after the test has been completed. A pregnancy test should be administered the day of the exam.
What are the general procedures for Hysterosalpingograms (HSG)?
You will be taken into the X-ray room and asked to undress from the waist down and put on a gown. The technologist will take a picture. Next the radiologist will come in, then you will be asked to slide down the table with your knees bent, and you will be positioned as if you are on the exam table in the ob/gyn office. The radiologist will then place a speculum into your vagina. Once the speculum is in place, the radiologist will place a small catheter into the opening of the cervix. At this time he will inflate a small balloon, causing a cramp (like a menstrual cramp). Then the radiologist will start injecting the contrast. You may notice some mild to moderate cramping until the contrast flows out into the tubes. Then some of the cramping should ease up. During this time the radiologist will be taking pictures. When the radiologist has completed the procedure, the catheter and speculum will be removed. The radiologist will then let you know whether your tubes are opened or occluded (closed). The technologist will take one more picture.
You will have some spotting after this (as though you were having your period). This is normal. You will be given a pad to wear. The spotting may last a day or two. Please continue to use a pad. Please do not use a tampon.
You may also experience some cramping 3-4 hours after the exam. This is normal and you may take what you usually take for menstrual cramps.
Please contact your physician within 7-10 days to discuss the results.
Preparation
This procedure needs to be done within 7-10 days of your cycle and you must be at the end of your menstrual cycle before this exam can be performed. You cannot be spotting.
DO NOT HAVE INTERCOURSE AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF YOUR PERIOD. If you have mitral valve prolapse, your physician will prescribe an antibiotic to be taken before the exam.
Four days prior to the exam, you must have a blood pregnancy exam. Do not engage in sexual intercourse from the start of menstruation until after the examination. If you are diabetic or on Glucophage for diabetes, you must be off your medication at the time of or prior to the exam, and remain off for 48 hours after the exam.
You will take an antibiotic before your exam. The radiologist will ask you questions about your menstrual and pregnancy history and other pertinent information.
If you are allergic to iodine, your doctor must prescribe Medrol:
- 32 mg 12 hours prior to hysterosalpingoram
- 32 mg 2 hours prior to hysterosalpingogram
If you have are allergic to iodine or have asthma, your x-ray procedure must be done at one of the hospitals (Baptist, Doctors, South Miami or Homestead Hospitals). Your test cannot be done at the Baptist Outpatient Center.
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- The equipment used for your procedure requires a very cold environment. Please bring a sweater.
- Please leave all valuables at home.
- If you have any questions about these instructions or have any other concerns, contact your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: These instructions are general guidelines. If your physician gives you more detailed directions, follow his/her advice.