Digital X-Ray
For all known X-ray procedures with and without contrast, if there is a chance the parent (mother) is pregnant, we ask her not attend in the exam room, even when wearing a lead apron. If the patient is pregnant, she should inform us before the exam, so that the radiologist can contact her doctor, and ask about possibility of performing examination.
What does a voiding cystogram show?
This exam is done to look at the bladder and the urethra (the small tube that goes from the bladder to the outside of the body) and to see if the urine flows up to the kidneys.
What are some of the words we will hear about a voiding cystogram?
Contrast: a special liquid used to fill the bladder so it can be seen on the X-ray film.
Catheter: small tube that is put into the bladder so that the urine can be drained and the contrast can fill the bladder.
What should we do to prepare for the exam?
No special preparation is necessary for this exam; you may eat and drink normally on the day of the test. It is very important that you tell your doctor and the radiology department if your child has ever had any heart problems, even a slight heart murmur. If there is a heart condition, your child must be given medicine before we start the test. We also need to know if your child is allergic to anything, especially latex (plastic) products.
How are the pictures made?
The technician will bring you (or your child) to the examination room. You will be given a gown to wear and asked to lie down on the exam table. An X-ray picture of your abdomen will be made before starting the procedure.
After the radiologist reads the film, a doctor who is specially trained to look at X-rays, the procedure will begin. You will need to lie very still. Your private parts will be washed about three times with a brown soap solution called ‘Betadine’. A sterile (very clean) cloth with a small opening is placed over the area, which is wiped with a dry sterile cloth.
A catheter (a plastic tube) is put into the bladder to fill it (If your child cannot lie still, we may have to hold legs still). When the catheter goes in, it will experience some discomfort. Some special oil (for example, Vaseline) will be rubbed on the tube to make it slippery The catheter will be taped to one of the legs with a special paper tape that won't stick or hurt when peeled off. The doctor will move the big X-ray camera over the lower part of your body. The camera will be close to, but will not touch your body.
During filling up of the bladder, the doctor will be taking pictures. After the bladder is filled, your child will have to empty the bladder while lying on the table. We use clean towels or a urinal to do this. Your child will not be able to sit, stand or go to the bathroom to empty the bladder.
After the bladder is emptied, the doctor will take a few more pictures; then your child may get cleaned up and dressed.
What does a barium enema show?
This exam is used to show the large intestine and colon.
What should we do to prepare for the exam?
The large intestine must be cleaned out completely in order for the X-rays to show what is necessary.
You should not have solid foods after 4 p.m. the day before the exam. A laxative should be given the day before too (e.g 4 tab of ‘Boldolaxin’). The morning of the exam, an enema should be given without soap, with only 2 liters of clear water. (This may be purchased at the drugstore). It is important that the bowel is cleaned out for the exam. An evening meal of liquids such as clear soup and juices may be taken. Your child should not eat or drink (including water) for 4 hours before the exam.
How are the pictures made?
The radiology technician will bring you to the exam room. You will be given a hospital gown to wear and will lie down on the exam table. The technologist will then take a picture of our abdomen.
You (or your child) will then lie on the left side and a small catheter (tube) or plastic enema tip will be placed into the rectum. The buttocks will be taped together to keep the tip from slipping out. The tip is connected to a bag of liquid called barium, which will allow the colon to be seen on the X-rays films.
The radiologist, a doctor specially trained in reading X-rays, will then start the exam, slowly releasing the barium slowly into the colon. The radiologist will take pictures of different sections of the colon as it fills. You or child can see the pictures (X-rays) on a TV monitor in the room.
After the radiologist has finished taking X-rays, the technologist will take two more pictures. Your child will then be able to go to the bathroom to flush out the barium. We will take one more picture after all the barium is flushed out. You or your child can then get dressed.
If the exam is for an air-contrast or double contrast enema, the radiologist will also put some air into the colon with the barium. We will take six more pictures after the radiologist has completed this exam. You or Your child will then be allowed to go to the bathroom. Another picture will then be taken.
Who reads the pictures?
The radiologist (usually a Professor) will view all of the pictures and then write a report.
Is there any risk from the radioactivity?
Radiation is a risk. However, many precautions are taken to limit the amount of X-rays taken. Our machines are designed to get a maximum of information with the minimum amount of radiation. However if the patient or her mother is pregnant, extra precautions have to be taken as above explained. |
