Defecography

"Defecography is an x-ray of the anorectal area that evaluates completeness of stool elimination, identifies anorectal abnormalities, and evaluates rectal muscle contractions and relaxation. During the exam, the doctor fills the rectum with a soft paste that is the same consistency as stool. The patient sits on a toilet positioned inside an x-ray machine and then relaxes and squeezes the anus and expels the solution. The doctor studies the x-rays for anorectal problems that occurred while the patient emptied the paste." (www.proctology.us)

Bit beyond the scope of a common or garden playdoc, is this one!

I'm going to post a 'Want' ad for a second hand defecography unit though, just to see what 'comes out of it' (ghastly pun)

Our Friends in enemas4fun have though a cheaper solution involving inserting peeled bananas, counting them in, and out! It's called Semi-Solid enemas.

Anyway, Karma to you for the information

Defecography is the radiographic examination of the operation of the defecation process under fluoroscopy. A thickened barium contrast putty is injected into the rectum and then excreted by the patient while the radiologist looks on

In a bit more laymen's terms: The Contrast Media is supplied in the same format as most DYI - Home Improvement people would recognize as a tube of caulking like silicone. It is dispensed from a standard caulking gun with an attached applicator tube which is very similar in dimensions to a disposable sigmoidoscope. The applicator nozzle is directed under x-ray guidance deep into the sigmoid colon and the contrast media is then injected. EZ-EM who are the largest supplier of barium enema units provide single patient units which are completely disposable. Add a standard caulking gun and a fluoroscope and you have everything required.

I love the idea that such a basic function is monitored in such complete detail. What a great exam.

Highly interesting indeed 😃

I imagine the average clearance rate, to only be about 60 percent (leaving 40%). Would be interesting to train someone to ensure that they always retain say 75%.

I had posted this on another forum:

"maybe the most humiliating exam possible, still fascinates me... anyone else?

here's the description:

Evacuation Proctogram

Your doctor has requested an imaging study called an evacuation proctogram (also known as defecography). This study is used to help diagnose a wide range of pelvic floor problems, such as: [color=red]anal or pelvic pain, difficult defecation, sensation of incomplete emptying, constant sensation of a full rectum, constipation, feeling of "something" coming out of the anus or vagina as you strain, and leakage of stool[/color].

Before Arriving for Your Procedure

No special preparation is necessary for this procedure.

Because you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, please wear clothing that is easy for you to remove and put back on.

After Arriving

Before your exam, you will speak with one of our imaging physicians, who will discuss your symptoms and the procedure with you. Our physician will also answer any questions you may have.

During Your Procedure

You will be taken to a private room and asked to change into a hospital gown.

30 minutes before your exam you will be asked to drink six ounces of barium (a material that allows the imaging physician to see the details of your intestines).

You will be taken to an examination room, and asked to lie on your side on an exam table. The physician will inject a barium paste - about the consistency of toothpaste - through a tube into your rectum.

You will then be asked to sit on a special toilet, which will allow images to be taken during the process of defecation. Images and video will be taken with a fluoroscope, a type of moving-picture X-ray.

During the procedure you will be asked to pinch up the rectum, cough, strain and finally evacuate.

The exam takes approximately one hour.

After Your Procedure

Drink plenty of liquid for 24-48 hours. The barium may make your stool white for several days.

Your study will be read by the imaging physician and results sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health."