Anyone find interesting those two procedures? They seem both maybe the most humiliating medical exams possible but still I find a certain fascination on both: I could have posted this question at the medfet forum but was curious also about the enema lovers about this.
DESCRIPTIONS:
[color=#0000ff]Barium enema [/color]is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.
How the Test is Performed
This test may be done in a doctor's office or hospital radiology department. It is done after the colon is completely empty. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to empty the colon. You will lie flat on your back on the x-ray table and an x-ray will be taken.
You will then be told to lie on your side. The health care provider will gently insert a well-lubricated tube (enema tube) into your rectum. The tube is connected to a bag that holds a liquid containing barium sulfate. It is placed in the rectum. The liquid is a type of contrast material that highlights specific areas in the body, creating a clearer image. The barium flows into your colon, and eventually passes out of your body with your stools.
A small balloon at the tip of the enema tube may be inflated to help keep the barium inside your colon. The health care provider will monitor the flow of the barium on an x-ray fluoroscope screen, which is like a TV monitor.
There are two types of barium enemas:
Single contrast barium enema uses barium to highlight your large intestine. Double contrast barium enema uses barium, but also delivers air into the colon to expand it. This allows for even better images.
You will be asked to move into different positions and the table will be slightly tipped to get different views. At certain times when the x-ray pictures are taken, you will hold your breath and be still for a few seconds so the images won't be blurry. The enema tube will be removed after the pictures are taken. You will be given a bedpan or helped to the toilet, so you can empty your bowels and remove as much of the barium as possible. One or two x-rays may be taken after you use the bathroom.
How to Prepare for the Test:
You must completely empty your bowels before the exam. This may be done using an enema or laxatives combined with a clear liquid diet. Your health care provider will give you specific instructions. Thorough cleaning of the large intestine is necessary for accurate pictures.
How the Test Will Feel:
When barium enters your colon, you may feel like you need to have a bowel movement. You may also have a feeling of fullness, moderate to severe cramping, and general discomfort. Try to take long, deep breaths during the procedure. This may help you relax.
[color=#0000ff]Evacuation Proctogram [/color]
[color=#0000ff](defecography) [/color]
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: 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.
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.