General Radiology

General Radiology is a term used to describe basic x-ray procedures. Many x-ray procedures require no preparation and can be done at any time during our office hours. Patients may walk in for these studies without an appointment. However, they may on occasion experience a short wait depending on how heavily we are scheduled. Below are listed the most common examinations that do not require an appointment.

Barium Swallows (Esophagus) and Tomography require scheduling but need no preparation. However, some examinations do require patient preparation and scheduling. Procedures and patient instructions are intended to be used for patients who have their examinations at our facilities. Procedures and instructions may vary at other radiology offices.

LOWER GI - BARIUM ENEMA - COLON

Examination of the large intestine. Patient is examined through the rectum with a barium sulfate enema while under fluoroscopy. It is used in the diagnosis of polyps, diverticulitis, obstruction, tumor and other structural and functional disorders of the colon. It is very important that the patient follow the preliminary instructions to eliminate stool from the bowel.

Examination Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Precautions: Infants and children should not be given the Fleet Prep Kit. Check with the radiologist or your physician for proper preparation.

Patient Instructions: Purchase the Fleet Prep Kit #3 the day before the examination and follow the 24 hour prep instructions. Begin preparation by increasing your fluid intake. Drink a lot of water and clear liquids. Have a liquid dinner. Absolutely no dairy products. You will be eliminating stool most of the evening and night. This is normal and important. By morning you will probably be passing only water.

Day of the Exam: Use Fleet Bisacodyl Enema. Patient should be NPO after midnight. Report to the office for your test.

IVP OR INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAM

The examination of the kidneys, ureters and bladder requires the intravenous injection of contrast media (iodine).

Examination Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Precautions: Patients who are allergic to iodinated contrast (x-ray dye) should check with the doctor or radiologist prior to scheduling. Infants and children should not be given the Fleet prep. Check with radiologist for proper preparation.

Patient Instructions: You MUST Purchase the Fleet Prep Kit #3 the day before the examination and follow the 24 hour prep. Begin preparation by increasing your fluid intake. Drink a lot of water and clear liquids. Have a liquid dinner. Absolutely no dairy products. Patient will be eliminating stool most of the evening and night. This is normal and important. By morning patient will probably be passing only water.

Day of the Exam: Use Fleet Bisacodyl enema. NPO 4 hours prior to examination. Diabetic patients may drink clear liquids with their morning insulin injection. Report to the office for test.

*Note: Patients with a history of renal insufficiency should have BUN & Creatinine levels drawn prior to scheduling. Serum Creatinine level reqired for all elderly (over age of 70) and diabetic patients. This information should be available when scheduling.

UPPER GI OR STOMACH

Examination of the upper intestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach and first portion of the small intestine. Patient is asked to drink a barium sulfate liquid. This outlines the lining of the stomach and intestines. Used to diagnose ulcers, hiatal hernias, tumors and other structural and functional disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Examination Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour. Patient may resume a normal diet following the exam.

Precautions: Patients may experience constipation from drinking the barium. We recommend that the patients take 2 to 3 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia the evening of the test and the next day, if necessary.

Patient Instructions: The Patient must be NPO after midnight.

VOIDING CYSTOURETHROGRAM

Examination of the bladder and urethra. A catheter placed in the bladder is filled with contrast media (iodine) to its capacity. This exam shows defects in the valves of the ureter going into the bladder. It shows chronic changes in the bladder musculature and strictures of the urethra.

Examination Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Precautions: Patients who are allergic to iodinated contrast (x-ray dye) should check with their doctor or radiologist prior to scheduling.

Patient Instructions: None.

SMALL INTESTINE - SMALL BOWEL STUDY

Examination of the gastrointestinal tract from the beginning of the stomach to the beginning of the large intestine or colon. Patient will drink two cups of barium sulfate mixed with Gastrografin and water. This outlines the lining of the small bowel. Used in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease and other structural and functional disorders of the small intestines. This examination is often done in conjunction with an Upper GI (stomach x-ray).

Examination Time: 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on how long it takes barium to travel through the small bowel.

Precautions: Barium sulfate may cause constipation. Patients should check with their doctor concerning the use of laxatives. Very rarely, the patient may prove sensitive to Gastrografin. If hives occur, check with your doctor or contact the radiologists.

Patient Instructions: The Patient must be NPO after midnight.

 

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