Interventional Radiology & Fluoroscopy
Your consultant or GP has requested that you attend for a Proctogram examination.This leaflet is designed to explain what the examination involved.
The examination will be carried out in the x-ray department at the James Cook University Hospital or The Friarage Hospital.
If you are unable to attend, please contact us immediately to rearrange. This will allow us to use the appointment for another patient. Telephone: 01642 282639.
What is the examination for?
This is an x-ray procedure performed to assess the pelvic floor to evaluate the size, position and shape of the rectum (back passage) in relation to surrounding structures. Also this test looks at the function of the emptying process.
Preparation for the examination
There is no special preparation for this examination.
Medication
Please do not stop taking any prescribed drugs.
What the test involves
When you arrive at the x-ray department you will be collected from the main reception.
The advanced practitioner will explain what the procedure involves and answer any questions you may have.
If you are happy to proceed you will be given a suppository to insert into your back passage, assistance will be provided with this by a nurse or radiographer if you wish. You will be sat in a curtained waiting area that will be close to a toilet.
You will also be given some liquid to drink over 10 minutes that shows the small bowel. After approximately 1 hour you will be asked to change into a gown, removing all of your lower clothing and then taken to the x-ray room. Male patients may not need to drink the liquid – refer to your appointment letter for time to attend.
You will lie on the table on your side and some white paste (barium) will be put into your back passage. For female patients x-ray dye will usually be inserted into the bladder (using a catheter) and into the vagina; this will be decided by the advanced practitioner.
The examination requires you to empty your bowels on a commode whilst taking x-rays.
Only the people required to do the test are present in the room, the doors are locked and blinds are drawn to preserve your privacy and dignity.
How long does the examination take?
The procedure takes about 20 minutes-once asked into the room. The preparation outside of the room takes 1 hour. Therefore please expect the whole appointment to take 1.5 hours.
If you attend early there is no guarantee that you will be seen before your appointment time.
The results of the test
You will not be given the result straight away. The consultant or radiographer will examine your x-rays and send a report to the referring doctor, which is normally less than 14 days.
Is there anything I should tell the staff?
For patients with ovaries, between the ages of 12 and 55, the x-ray department has a legal responsibility to ensure that this examination is performed within ten days of the first day of your menstrual period.
Please contact the x-ray department if you are pregnant or if this appointment is beyond the ten day requirement, and another appointment will be arranged for you.
If you have special needs or disabilities, please contact the x-ray department on 01642 282639.
What about transport to the hospital?
Transport has not been arranged for this appointment. If an ambulance is required, please contact your GP at least 48 hours before the appointment date. All car parks are pay and display.
Radiation dose and risk
X-rays use ionising radiation which can cause cell damage that may, after many years or decades, turn cancerous. The risk of this happening is very small compared to the normal lifetime risk of developing cancer which is 1 in 2. We are also all exposed to background radiation every day.
The risk of long-term effects is considered when the healthcare team decide whether someone needs an x-ray examination and radiation doses are kept as low as possible. For this examination radiation dose levels are typically equivalent to around 6 to 12 months of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 1000 – Low.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282639 (Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm)
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]