Structural or functional problems may include issues with constipation and incontinence.
This article will explain what defecography is, when one is needed, and what to expect.
What Is Defecography?
sisu / RooM / Getty Images
Defecography allows visualization of a bowel movement.
Individuals may have difficulty pooping for several reasons.
The paste contains barium and is inserted into the rectum with a gadget similar to a caulking gun.
When the procedure involves teal-time X-ray video, it is often calledcinedefecography.
When Is a Defecography Needed?
Defecography offers healthcare providers a more dynamic evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction than other exams and tests.
There are several reasons a healthcare provider may order a defecography.
Some centers may ask you to use an enema before your appointment.
You would then need to refrain from eating for at least two hours before the exam.
During the procedure,barium pasteis slowly inserted into the rectum until full.
Filling it stimulates the nerves to empty the bowel as it does under normal conditions.
You are then asked to sit on a special toilet to evacuate the paste.
The procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes in total.
While the exam may seem awkward and uncomfortable, it typically doesn’t cause any pain.
Interpreting Results
Defecography allows the visualization of structural abnormalities not seen with other non-imaging tests.
However, there are still some limitations.
Additionally, there are limited standards of reference and contradictory interpretations of the results.
To remedy this issue, guidelines were developed to provide consistency with the defecography procedure and result interpretation.
Typically, a radiologist reads the report and sends the results to your healthcare provider.
This provider may be a primary care provider or a provider who specializes in gastroenterology orpelvic floor dysfunction.
Clarify with your healthcare provider when you’re able to expect to know the results.
In some cases, the radiologist may be in-house and provide results immediately.
Other times, the test is sent out to the provider for review.
Summary
Defecography aids in diagnosing challenges with bowel movements and other pelvic floor dysfunction.
While the procedure itself is painless, some patients may feel embarrassed during defecography.
2020;115(6):895-905.
