130221 Gastrografin Enema - web.indd

What will happen after the test?
For any queries, contact:
You may experience a need to go to the toilet
within minutes of finishing the X-ray and may
accidently pass some liquid motion after the
test. The gastrografin may not have been
fully drained via the tube. Bring a change of
underwear as a precaution and perhaps a
small towel to sit on during transport home.
Stay within the hospital grounds and within
reach of a toilet for at least an hour. Some
people have reported feeling a little nauseous
or unwell after the procedure- though it is not
common.
The Northern Hospital Radiology
Department
(03) 8405 9600
Gastrografin
Enema (GGE)
A guide for patients
Appointment Date……………........
Appointment Time………………….
Gastrografin Enema is performed in the Medical Imaging
Department, located on the ground floor near main
reception.
Broadmeadows Health Service
Bundoora Extended Care Centre
Craigieburn Health Service
Panch Health Service
The Northern Hospital
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February 2013, FMIS Code: 41836
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www.nh.org.au
What is gastrografin?
How is the test performed?
How do I get the results?
This is a water soluble clear fluid that shows on
X-ray images.
You will need to change into a gown. You will
then be asked to lie on your side on the X-ray
table. The flexible tube will then be placed into
your rectum. This can be mildly uncomfortable
but should not be painful. The gastrografin
fluid will then pass via the tube into your
large bowel. You may need to be moved into
different positions (even onto your stomach) to
coat the bowel.
The Radiologist (a doctor) will study the
images and provide a report for your doctor.
This will be directed to your doctor and the
results discussed with you at your next booked
appointment.
What is a gastrografin enema?
This is an X-ray test which shows the large
bowel (colon) by filling it with gastrografin. The
gastrografin is introduced by a thin & hollow
flexible tube which is inserted into the rectum
(back passage). The test is usually to check if
there is a leakage outside the bowel or narrowing
of an area.
What preparation is needed?
No bowel preparation is needed if you have
a stoma (Ileostomy) and the test is being
performed to see whether the new join in the
bowel (the anastomosis) is healed and not
narrowed. If your doctor requests this test
for another reason you may require a bowel
cleansing kit. This will be organised for you.
This will be seen on a TV monitor, and X-ray
images will also be taken at this time. At times
the gastrografin can leak out during procedure,
but ideally once all the X-rays have been
taken, the gastrografin will be drained out via
the same tube and you can then go to the
toilet. The expected time for the procedure is
approximately 15 - 20 minutes.
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