Clinical Radiology Department Having a small bowel barium meal patientinformation Rotherham Hospital Your health, your choice, our passion
Introduction You have been advised to have a small bowel barium meal examination. This is an x-ray procedure to examine the small bowel, using a fluid called barium to outline the small bowel on the x-ray films. The benefits of the procedure is that the x-ray report will support your Doctor in undertaking diagnosis or in monitoring response to any treatments you may be taking. Preparation for your small bowel barium meal examination To enable the Doctor to get clear pictures, the small bowel needs to be empty when the barium is given. To do this, a special preparation of your bowel is required, on the day before your examination (see appendix 1). You must also not eat or drink for six hours before your appointment. Please follow the instructions in the appendix carefully. Can I take my usual medication? Any essential medication may be taken, with a small amount of water. If you have diabetes, please telephone the department at least 48 hours before your examination. Other non-essential medication may be taken after your test. Female patients All female patients between the age of 12 years and 55 years must inform staff if there is any possibility of being pregnant. This examination must only take place during the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle, day one being the first day of your period. 3
On arrival On arrival, your details (i.e. name, address and date of birth) will be checked. You will be asked to change into an examination gown. If you require help, please ask. Important information Please tell the Nurse, Radiographer, or Doctor if you: l have diabetes l have had any allergies or reactions to medication If you have any of the above, special instructions may need to be followed. Patients with diabetes, please see appendix 2. The procedure After you have changed into an examination gown, the procedure will be explained to you. You will then be given the barium liquid to drink, and some medication called Metoclopramide, which will help the barium liquid pass rapidly into the small bowel. If you know you are allergic to Metoclopramide, please inform the Nurse before taking it. You will be given the barium drink and xrayed at regular intervals throughout the examination. Once all the necessary x-rays have been taken, the examination is finished. How long will the examination take? Expect to be in the X-ray Department for up to 2 to 3 hours. 4
After your examination You can return to your normal diet as soon as possible. Over the next few days, it is advisable to increase your fluid intake. When am I notified of the results? The results will be sent to your Hospital Consultant, who will discuss them with you at your next visit. Possible risks of the examination You may experience constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to alleviate this. You may also notice the barium, which is white, in your faeces for a few days. This is normal. Appendix 1: Preparation for the small bowel barium meal examination Below are detailed instructions for your bowel meal appointment. The success of your examination depends on the small bowel being as clear as possible. Diet for the day before the examination Breakfast: Should be limited to a boiled egg with white bread, and a scraping of butter or margarine. Lunch: A small portion of steamed, poached or grilled white fish or chicken, with a very small portion of boiled potatoes or white bread. Clear jelly for desert. Supper: Clear soup, or meat extract drink, may be taken, followed by clear jelly for desert. No solid food is allowed. 5
Bowel preparation 2 hours after lunch, take the enclosed sachet of citrafleet (no later than 4pm). Dissolve the contents of the sachet in a cup of cold water. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes, and drink the mixture. Be prepared for frequent bowel movements after the citrafleet mixture. Fluids After taking the citrafleet mixture, drink plenty of clear fluids for the rest of the day. Try to drink at least a glass full every hour. Tea or coffee should not be taken later than mid afternoon. Important information about citrafleet If you are: l Suffering from kidney disease l Suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or chrons disease l Taking prescribed medication such as water tablets, steroids or medication for heart disease l Allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the sachet. Please inform the nursing staff in the department before you take your citrafleet. Women taking the contraceptive pill Please note: the effects of citrafleet may make the contraceptive pill ineffective, and further contraceptives will be required until your next menstrual cycle. 6
The day of the examination DO NOT have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before the examination. Appendix 2: Instructions for patients with diabetes If you have diabetes, please telephone the department at least 48 hours before your examination. Telephone 01709 424357. A further instruction sheet will be forwarded to you. 7
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Useful contact numbers NHS Direct Telephone 0845 4647 Patient Services Telephone 01709 424461 Health Info Telephone 01709 427190 Stop Smoking Service Telephone 01709 422444 A&E Telephone 01709 424690 For GP out of hours, contact your surgery Useful websites www.nhs.uk www.direct.gov.uk www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk www.doh.gov.uk If you require this document in another language, large print, braille or audio version, please contact Patient Information on 01709 424281. 10 Produced by The Clinical Radiology Department, January 2005. Revised October 2006, July 2009, October 2011. Revision due October 2013. Version: 4.0 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 2011. All rights reserved.
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LS 310 10/11 V4 WFO How to contact us Clinical Radiology Department Situated on B level main corridor Telephone 01709 424357 for general enquires about your appointment Telephone 01709 427086 for enquiries about preperation for your examination, or to speak to a nurse (You may reach an answering machine. Please leave your contact number, and the nurse will phone you back between the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.) Switchboard Telephone 01709 820000 Rotherham Hospital Moorgate Road Oakwood Rotherham S60 2UD Telephone 01709 820000 www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk Sustainable Forests / Low chlorine