Radiology
What is the test for?
A loopogram is an investigation of part of the bowel – usually an ileal conduit that
has been created after an operation to divert urine outside of the body usually when the bladder is removed.
The examination shows your kidneys, ureters (tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder), ileum (the loop of bowel that the ureters are now attached to), and stoma (the opening on the outside of your abdomen. It is done to ensure that the conduit and surrounding organs are draining.
What does the test involve?
When you arrive in the X-Ray department you will be collected from the main reception and asked to change into a gown. Once you are ready Health Care Professional will explain what the procedure involves and answer any questions you may have. If you are happy to proceed you will lie on the X-Ray table with the X-Ray machine above you.
The area around the stoma will then be exposed, cleansed and covered with a sterile drape. The consultant or practitioner will place a flexible catheter into the entrance of the stoma and secure by inflating a balloon.
Once in the correct position x-ray dye will be infused and a series of x-rays will be taken.
How long does it take?
The procedure takes about 30 to 40 minutes. If you attend early there is no guarantee that you will be seen before your appointment time.
Will I feel any pain?
You may feel some discomfort during the procedure.
What do I need to do to prepare for the procedure?
You can come into hospital, have a loopogram and go home the same day. It would be advisable to bring some extra urostomy bags with you.
Take your other medicines as normal, unless your doctor or nurse tells you not to. If you have any queries regarding your medication, please call us on 01642 282639.
Giving my consent (permission)
The staff caring for you will ask your permission to perform the procedure. If you decide to go ahead, you will be asked to sign a consent form that says you have agreed to the procedure and that you understand the benefits, risks and alternatives. If there is anything you don’t understand or you need more time to think about it, please tell the staff caring for you.
Remember, it is your decision. You can change your mind at any time, even if you have signed the consent form. Let staff know immediately if you change your mind.
When will I get my results?
You will receive either a clinic or telephone appointment to see your consultant in the weeks after the test to discuss your results.
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 1 to 2 years of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 1000 – Low.
Is there anything I should tell the staff?
For patients who have ovaries and are 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.
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]