What is MRI Defecography?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a procedure involving use of magnetic waves and radio waves to create images of internal organs of the human body.
MRI defecography is a sub-type of MRI, in which high resolution images of the large intestine are taken to assess movements which take place during the action of defecation.
It is a rather awkward affair for the patient for undergo this investigation. But the results provide an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s health condition, which is in turn helpful to initiate the right kind of medical/surgical treatment.
What Are the Pre Requisites of MRI Defecography?
MRI Defecography is a rather complicated procedure which needs to be performed with great skill and precision. It needs some pre-planning. Following are some of the pre-requisites for MRI Defecography:
- Patients made to undergo a detailed physical examination in order to detect any abnormal findings. Blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and body temperature are measured.
- Reports of any investigations which might have been performed previously, are studied by the doctor before proceeding with MRI Defecography.
- One day prior to the scan, patients are asked to consume a simple meal comprising of easily digestible food.
- Patients must provide to their doctor a complete list of medicines which they might be taking.
- Dosage of some medicines might be altered for a few days if the doctors sees fit.
- Patients who have undergone any orthopedic surgery and have nails, screws and plated fitted in their body must inform about the same prior to MRI scan.
- Female patients who are pregnant or might be pregnant should notify their doctor about the same.
- Patients who have undergone surgery to get a pacemaker, chemoport, arterial or urethral stent, cardioverter defibrillator fit inside their body need to inform their doctor about it.
- Patients with kidney disorders, liver disorders, blood disorders, any type of allergy should inform about their health condition to the doctor.
- Patients who have undergone an organ transplant surgery should inform to their doctor about the same.
Only after all these steps have been taken, the patient is certified to be medically fit to undergo MRI Defecography.
How is MRI Defecography Performed?
MRI defecography is a rather complicated investigative procedure. It takes an experienced technician and a skilled radiologist to perform the procedure. Some contribution and effort is also expected from the patient for best results of the scan. Following are the steps taken to perform a successful MRI Defecography scan:
- Patients are asked to remove any jewelery they might be wearing. Also, hearing aids, accessories like wallet, belt, wrist watches cannot be worn during the scan.
- Prior to the scan an enema is given to the patient to cleanse the bowels.
- Since about 30 minutes prior to MRI defecography, patients will be requested not to urinate till the scan is completed. This is to ensure a full bladder and more clarity while performing the scan.
- During the scan, a solution of barium is injected into the rectum. For female patients, barium solution may additionally be injected into the vagina as well.
- A diaper is given to the patient to avoid leakage of stool or barium gel. Sometimes instead of a diaper, a towel may be placed beneath a patient’s buttocks to prevent leakage of barium solution.
- Under the influence of barium, rectum and terminal part of colon are clearly visualized on MRI scan.
- The patient is made to lie down side ways while the barium solution is being injected, but while the scan is being performed the patient is expected to lie flat on their back, on a slidable examination table. The table slides inside a hollow large tube where magnetic field has been generated (closed MRI).
- In case an open MRI is being done, the table on which patient lies slides in between two large magnetic plates as opposed to a hollow tube.
- A magnetic field of predetermined intensity is focused on the patient’s lower abdomen.
- Patient will be asked to perform movements of their lower abdominal and pelvic muscles similar to what is done while passing stool. Since a diaper will be worn, patient does not have to worry about soiling their clothes even if stool leaks out of their rectum.
- With the help of magnetic waves, images of the intestines and pelvic muscles are taken, depicting various stages of muscular contraction. In female patients, pelvic muscle contraction also gives an idea about the strength of vaginal muscles.
- Once the scan is satisfactorily completed, the patient can remove the diaper and change into their own clothes.
There is no requirement of remaining admitted in the hospital after the scan is completed. Patients may go home immediately.
Why is MRI Defecography Indicated?
Following is a list of health disorders which can be diagnosed by performing MRI Defecography:
- Enterocele
- Pelvic muscle disorders
- Intestinal obstruction
- Intestinal stricture
- Cystocele
- Rectocele
- Rectal muscle disorders
MRI Defecography is an advanced diagnostic technique requiring a lot of precision and pre-planning. Patients who undergo the procedure should read about it before hand, so they are prepared for what they will be expected to undergo. If all pre-requisites are followed well, the chances of having a successful scan are enhanced.