What is a Colon Procedure?

 

This information is designed to help you understand the test(s) you will be having.

Please arrive at the medical center 30 minutes before your scheduled test time.

Your examination will be interpreted by a Radiologist (physician specializing in medical imaging). The Radiologist will dictate a report that states your exam results. The report will be typed and sent to your physician. You can make arrangements with your physician on how you will receive your exam results (such as follow-up appointment, calling the physician office, etc.).

If you have any questions, please call the Radiology/Medical Imaging Department.

For a colon procedure, your large intestine is filled with a liquid contrast material called barium. A radiologist (physician especially trained in Radiology) will be giving the barium through an enema. Films will be taken by the Radiologist during filming and also by the radiographer before the enema is eliminated. After elimination of the barium one more film will be taken. (see film example to the right)

 

PREPARATION:

Adults (13 years and older)

 

Use the Bowel Prep Kit: 

Your physician has requested an examination, which requires the cleansing of your large intestine (colon). In order to help your physician to obtain the best possible examination, it is essential that your colon be as clean as possible. Therefore, be sure to follow all instructions. Instructions for the Bowel PREP KIT are as follows:

 

The day before the exam:

A non-residue diet is required beginning 24 hours before the examination. This may consist of clear soup, plain gelatin, liquid, non-pulpy unsweetened juice, sugar-free soda, black coffee or tea without sugar or milk. Do not drink any milk or cream. Be sure to read all the accompanying directions and warnings thoroughly before using this kit. If you have questions, please contact your doctor.

1. Drink one large glass of water each hour, from 1PM until 9PM.

2. At 5PM, drink a bottle of magnesium citrate.

3. At bedtime, push the four (4) enclosed biscodyl tablets through the backing to remove from the blister and take with a glass of water. DO NOT CHEW TABLETS. Tablets taken at bedtime are usually effective by the following morning. See back panel for additional warnings.

 

Follow these directions for E-Z-EM PREP KIT #3070.

1. Drink one large glass of water each hour, from 1PM to 9PM.

2. At 5PM: Use 8oz. of cold water in a large (minimum 12oz) glass, slowly add contents of packet while gently stirring. After effervesence (fizzing) stops, stir again and drink.

3. At bedtime, push the four (4) enclosed biscodyl tablets through the backing to remove from the blister and take with a glass of water. DO NOT CHEW TABLETS. Tablets taken at bedtime are usually effective by the following morning. See back panel for additional warnings.

 

Early in the morning of the exam, use the suppository:

1. DO NOT have anything to eat or drink.

2. To use the enclosed bisacodyl suppository, push through the backing to remove from the blister, remove the foil wrapper and insert the suppository into the rectum.

3. Patient with colostomies should not use the suppository.

 

PREPARATION:

Children (2-12 years)

Drink clear liquids (include liquids with high calorie content) the day before the procedure.
Take x-prep at 2PM the day prior to the procedure-- 3 yrs. (15cc), 4 yrs. (20cc), 5 yrs. (25cc);  add 5cc for each additional year up to 12 years.

Do not take any castor oil.
Take an enema at 9PM the night before the procedure.
Take enemas until clear at 6AM the morning of the procedure.

 

PREPARATION:

Newborn (to 2 years)

Two weeks to two years--- give clear liquids after midnight.
A saline enema should be given the night before and the morning of the procedure.
DO NOT USE ANY PREP

 

LENGTH OF EXAM:

The exam will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.

 

SPECIAL NOTES:

You will have to wear a hospital gown for the procedure. Diabetic patients may take glucose during the morning, only if exam is scheduled in the afternoon. Drink lots of fluids for 1-2 days following a barium procedure. If bowel movements are not normal within 24 hours, you may take a mild laxative. Any further questions, contact your personal physician.