Defecography ( Disease & Conditions, Treatments & Procedures , Symptoms )
Defecography is a medical test that assesses a patient’s ability to effectively expel excrement from their rectum. During the examination, the patient’s rectum and anal canal are captured using X-ray or fluoroscopy imaging. This test is often used to assess patients with fecal incontinence or chronic constipation.
This article covers the following topics :
Defecography: What is it?
A diagnostic imaging procedure called defecography is used to assess the architecture and physiological state of the rectum and pelvic floor during feces. In order to do the test, a particular contrast material is inserted into the rectum, and the patient is instructed to expel it while the pelvic floor and rectal anatomy are being photographed using X-rays or other imaging modalities.
In order to diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction-related diseases such rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence, constipation, and obstructed defecation syndrome, defecography is frequently utilized. The test can detect irregularities in the pelvic floor muscles’ capacity for rectal emptying and support.
In an imaging or outpatient facility, a radiologist or gastroenterologist often performs the procedure. To make sure that the rectum is empty for the operation, the patient could be instructed to follow a particular diet or take laxatives prior to the test. The patient will lie on an examining table during the procedure, and a little tube will be used to insert the contrast material into the rectum. While the images are being captured, the patient could be instructed to carry out certain motions like bearing down or clenching their pelvic floor muscles.
After the test, the patient can feel a little uncomfortable or crampy, and they might need to go to the bathroom to completely expel the contrast material. A radiologist or gastroenterologist will typically analyze the test results and share their findings with the patient’s healthcare practitioner.
Generally speaking, defecography is a secure and reliable diagnostic method for examining ailments connected to pelvic floor dysfunction. It can give useful information to help people with these diseases make better treatment decisions and achieve better results.
When will the defecography disease procedure be required?
When a person suffers fecal incontinence, has trouble passing stool, or exhibits other bowel movement-related symptoms, a defecography technique may be required. The following are some typical causes for defecography:
1-Pelvic floor dysfunction: Defecography can be used to detect pelvic floor dysfunction, a disorder that makes it difficult to pass feces because the pelvic muscles and ligaments are not functioning properly.
2-Fecal incontinence: Defecography can assist determine the source of bowel leaks or difficulties managing stool movements.
3-Constipation: Defecography can assess pelvic floor and rectal function, which is helpful in figuring out what is causing constipation.
4-Rectal prolapse: Defecography can evaluate the rectum’s and the pelvic floor muscles’ functionality and spot any rectal prolapse.
5-Anal fistula: A physical examination may not be able to clearly show the path of the fistula tract. Defecography can help.
6-Obstructed defecation syndrome: Defecography can be used to determine the underlying cause of this syndrome, which is characterized by difficulties emptying the rectum.
In general, a defecography technique is required when a medical professional suspects a problem with a patient’s bowel motions or pelvic floor muscles that necessitates additional testing to establish the most effective treatment strategy.
This defecatory disease test can identify which medical diseases.
A diagnostic procedure called defecography is used to assess different defecatory problems. It is very useful in determining the root causes of fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, and other related bowel issues.
Doctors can watch and evaluate the pelvic floor muscles, the rectal and anal muscles, and the general mechanics of defecation during the test. This can aid in locating issues including rectal prolapse, dysfunction of the pelvic floor, rectocele, and other anatomical anomalies that may be related to bowel dysfunction.
Who carries out this defecography illness procedure?
A radiologic technician, radiologist, or gastroenterologist who has obtained specific training in carrying out and interpreting defecography investigations performs the defecography technique.
What’s the Defecation Test’s procedure?
An examination of the rectum and pelvic floor muscles while defecating is known as a defecation test, also called a defecography or a dynamic pelvic floor MRI. When a patient urinates a little amount of barium paste or liquid, a specialized x-ray or MRI scanner is used to capture images of the rectum and pelvic floor muscles.
The patient is requested to sit on a toilet-like device or commode throughout the test while the imaging apparatus takes pictures of the pelvic floor muscles and rectus abdominis. The tissues and muscles involved in defecation are made more visible by the barium paste or liquid. To help find any anomalies in the pelvic floor muscles, the patient could be asked to do a number of actions such straining or bearing down.
Various disorders that impact the rectum and pelvic floor, such as pelvic organ prolapse, rectal prolapse, rectocele, and anal sphincter dysfunction, can be diagnosed using the images produced from the defecation test. Additionally, the test could be able to pinpoint the source of persistent constipation or fecal incontinence. The test results can aid in determining the course of treatment, which may involve pelvic floor exercises, dietary changes, medication, or surgery.
What occurs prior to your urinalysis test?
You will meet with your doctor prior to a feces test to go through your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are currently taking. Additionally, your doctor will go over the process with you and address any questions you may have.
Before the test, you might be required to follow a special diet or undergo bowel preparation, which could involve fasting and the use of laxatives or enemas to cleanse your colon. You’ll receive comprehensive instructions from your doctor on how to be ready for the test.
The use of laxatives or antidiarrheal medications may also need to be stopped for a predetermined period of time before to the test if they have the potential to alter bowel function. Your physician will provide you guidance on how to control your symptoms at this time.
Any allergies or sensitivities you may have to medicines, contrast materials, or latex must be disclosed to your doctor in order to ensure the safety and accuracy of the treatment.
How will I get ready for the day of the defecation test?
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to get ready before the defecation test. The following are some typical preparations you might be required to make:
*You might need to adhere to a special diet for a few days prior to the test, which might entail avoiding some items that can result in diarrhea or constipation.For a period of time prior to the test, you might be requested to stop taking a particular prescription or dietary supplement.The night before the test, you might be instructed to take an enema or a laxative to completely empty your bowels.Before the test, you might be instructed to fast for a few hours.
To ensure that the test is precise and successful, it’s critical to carefully adhere to your doctor’s recommendations.
What can I anticipate from a defecography examination?
You will be asked to lie on a special table with an X-ray machine put over you during a defecography test. Through a little catheter, a contrast substance will be introduced into your rectum, which is often a viscous liquid called barium. After that, you’ll be instructed to throw up the barium while the X-ray equipment takes pictures.
The medical professional will watch your pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles while you expel the barium to gauge how well they are functioning. Additionally, they could ask you to undertake certain movements, like bearing down or squeezing your anus, to gauge the power of your pelvic muscles.
The complete process typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. To make sure you don’t have any negative responses to the contrast material, you might be asked to wait for a short while following the treatment.
After the defecation test, what can I anticipate?
Unless your healthcare practitioner directs you otherwise, you can resume your regular activities and diet after the defecography exam. Following the surgery, you can feel some soreness or discomfort in your lower abdomen. This is typical and can be soothed by applying a warm compress or over-the-counter painkillers. To avoid constipation, you should also consume enough of fluids.
Your healthcare professional will go over the test results and any conclusions with you. On the basis of your diagnosis, they will also suggest a course of action. Your healthcare practitioner might recommend you to a specialist for additional treatment if the test indicated an underlying issue, such as rectal prolapse or rectocele.
What are the defecation test’s hazards or negative effects?
Defecography tests are often regarded as safe, and severe consequences are uncommon. However, the following are a few potential hazards and negative effects:
1-Discomfort or pain during the process brought on by the need to urinate and the insertion of the rectal tube.
2-X-rays are used during the technique known as radiation exposure.
3-Allergic responses to the procedure’s contrast substance.
4-If the tools used to perform the procedure are not properly sanitized, infection could result.
5-The rectum may occasionally sustain a rip or other damage.
Before having the defecography exam, it’s crucial to go over the potential dangers and advantages with your healthcare physician.
What sort of outcomes will I experience following the feces tasting, and what do the outcomes mean?
Your doctor will go over the results of the defecography test with you. The findings could point to anomalies in the anorectal area, such as:
*When the rectum prolapses into or out of the anus, it is referred to as rectal prolapse.
*When the bladder, uterus, or rectum slide down from their usual locations, it is known as pelvic organ prolapse.
*Rectocele: This condition develops when the rectum protrudes into the vagina’s posterior wall.
*A section of the rectum can telescope into another portion of the rectum, a condition known as intussusception.
*Anismus: This condition develops when the muscles in the pelvic floor do not completely relax during bowel motions.
*Obstructed defecation: When a blockage or obstruction in the rectum or anus stops stools from passing, this condition arises.
The results of the defecography test will be used by your doctor to select the most appropriate course of treatment for your condition. Depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend dietary modifications, pelvic floor exercises, drugs, or surgery as a form of treatment.