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VCUG |
IVP | Barium Enemas
| Barium Swallows |
UGI
Voiding Cystourethrogram
A voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an x-ray examination of the bladder
and lower urinary tract. A catheter is inserted through the urethra, the
urinary bladder is filled with water-soluble contrast material, then the
catheter is withdrawn. Several x-ray images of the bladder and urethra are
captured as the patient empties the bladder. These images allow radiologists
to diagnose any abnormalities in the flow of urine through the body.
Procedure
The technologist begins by positioning the patient on the table. One or
more images are usually captured before the contrast material is introduced.
You are then catheterized using a small tube that goes directly into the
bladder. The tube in the bladder is then connected to a bottle of special
contrast material that is dripped by gravity until the bladder is filled.
The radiologist and/or the technologist watch a monitor while the bladder is
filling to see if any of the liquid goes backward up one or both ureters.
After the bladder is filled, a series of films are captured as the patient
empties his or her bladder. After you are asked to empty your bladder
completely, then a final image is taken to see how well the bladder empties.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
An IVP is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary
bladder. Most people are familiar with x-ray images, which produce a still
picture of the body's interior by passing small, highly controlled amounts
of radiation through the body, and capturing the resulting shadows and
reflections on film. An IVP study uses a contrast material to enhance the
x-ray images. The contrast material is injected into the patient's system,
and its progress through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of
quickly captured images. The exam enables the radiologist to review the
anatomy and the function of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Prep for an IVP
Your physician will give you an appointment card to bring with you on
the day of the appointment. This card/order is required to perform the
procedure. At 5pm on the evening before the examination, eat a light dinner
then drink 1 bottle of MAGNESIUM CITRATE (found at your pharmacy) followed
by 32 oz. of water between 6-9pm. After midnight do not drink or eat
anything until after your test is complete the next day.
What are barium x-rays?
Barium x-rays (also called upper and lower GI series) are used to
diagnose abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract. With the use of barium
sulfate, a metallic chemical that x-rays cannot pass through, x-rays are
taken of the area under examination.
Why are barium x-rays performed?
Barium x-ray procedures are performed to evaluate the following:
BARIUM ENEMAS
A barium enema involves filling the large intestine with diluted barium
liquid while x-ray images are being taken.
Prep
Your physician will give you an appointment card to bring with you on
the day of the appointment. This card/order is required to perform the
procedure.
On the back of the card are instructions for
your procedure. For colon x-rays you will need to pick up a Fleets Prep Kit
#3 at your pharmacy at least 48 hours in advance of the exam and follow the
twenty four (24) hour instructions.
Day before exam:
8am: Eat a light meal
12noon: All clear liquids, including at least 8 oz. clear liquids.
1pm: Drink at least 8 oz. clear liquids
2pm: Drink at least 8 oz. clear liquids
3pm: Drink at least 8 oz. clear liquids
4pm: Drink Fleet Phospho-soda Solution which is found in the Fleets
Prep Kit #3. Followed by 8 oz. clear liquids.
5pm: Drink at least 8 oz. clear liquids
6pm: All clear liquids
7pm: Drink at least 8 oz. clear liquids
8pm: Take 4 Fleet Bisacodyl Tablets, found in the Fleets Prep Kit #3.
Day of the Exam:
Do Not Eat Breakfast
One hour prior to exam: Use Fleets Enema
Procedure
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single-contrast image - when the entire
large intestine is filled with barium liquid. Single-contrast images show
prominent abnormalities in the large intestine.
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double-contrast image - when a smaller
quantity of thicker barium liquid is introduced to the large intestine,
followed by air. Double-contrast images show smaller surface abnormalities
of the large intestine, because the air prevents the barium from filling the
intestine. Instead, the barium forms a film on the inner surface.
 Example
of cancer
of the colon.
Colored barium enema X-ray of the human abdomen showing a
cancer of the ascending colon; the tumor appears as the oval shadow over the
right pelvic bone (left on image). Opaque to X- rays, barium is given orally
for investigations of the esophagus, stomach & duodenum and
rectally (as a barium enema) to examine the rectum & colon. The colon (large
intestine) consists of four sections - the ascending, transverse, descending
and sigmoid colons. Here, the ascending colon rises at left, its transverse
(horizontal) section appears in centre, and the descending part at right,
which connects with the rectum via the sigmoid colon.
BARIUM SWALLOWS
/ UGI
What is a barium swallow / UGI?
A barium swallow, also called an upper GI series, is an examination of
the esophagus and stomach using barium to coat the walls of the upper
digestive tract so that it may be examined under x-ray. Barium swallows are
used to identify any abnormalities.
How is a barium swallow performed?
Usually, a barium swallow can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Patients may be advised not to eat or drink after midnight on the night
before the examination.
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