Download Water Soluble Enema - Royal Surrey – County Hospital

Patient information leaflet
Royal Surrey County Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust
Water Soluble Enema
Radiology
This is an x-ray examination to look at problems in the large bowel using
an iodine based x-ray dye. It is often carried out after surgery or to check
for narrowing of the bowel for different reasons .
This leaflet provides you with information about having a water soluble
enema. It explains what is involved and who you will meet.
What preparation is required?
No preparation is required before a water soluble enema; you can eat
and drink as normal. If you have a stoma (opening onto the surface of
the abdomen) please bring a spare stoma bag with you just in case one
is needed after the examination.
Women of child bearing age
This examination is not advisable for pregnant women, unless there
are exceptional circumstances. Please advise the x-ray department in
advance if you think you are, or might be pregnant.
Please note that our x-ray table has a patient weight limit of 23 stones or
146kg. If you know that you weigh more than this it is important that you
telephone the department on 01483 464150
Can I bring a relative or a friend?
Yes but for safety reasons, you will need to come into the x-ray room on
your own.
The Radiology Department
Radiology is also known as the X-Ray or Imaging Department.
Who will I meet?
Receptionist/Clerical Staff: can help you make or change your imaging
appointments and ensure your details are correct when you arrive for
your appointment.
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Radiographer: a health care professional who will assist the radiologist.
Radiologist: a specialist doctor trained to take images during the
examination. They will also interpret the images and report them for your
consultant.
What happens when I arrive?
Please register at the reception desk, where you will be directed to the
waiting area. You will need to undress for the procedure and so you will
be shown to a private cubicle where you will be provided with a gown to
change into.
What will happen during the examination?
Your verbal consent will be gained prior to commencing the examination.
You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table on your left hand side whilst
the doctor passes a small, soft plastic tube into your back passage. This
tube is then used to introduce a water soluble x-ray dye into your bowel.
During the procedure you need to do your best to keep as much fluid in
your bowel as possible. Don’t worry if some of the dye leaks out; just tell
us if it happens. Once there is enough fluid in your bowel we will start
taking x-rays; this may involve you lying in various positions to get the
best image possible.
At the end of the examination we will drain out as much of the fluid as we
can. Some of it will stay within your bowel, however once the examination
is finished the radiographer will show you to a private toilet outside the
x-ray room. It is possible for the dye to leak out of the back passage
and also to collect in the stoma bag if you have one, but you will be able
to expel most of the remaining dye before you leave the department.
Once all the liquid has been evacuated there should be no after effects
following this procedure.
The whole examination will take approximately twenty five minutes.
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Are there any risks or side effects associated with this
examination?
A water soluble enema is a safe examination, however as with any
examination there are small risks but these are extremely rare. When
the soft tube is inserted it may cause the rectum (back passage) to tear
slightly. A small injury of this nature will often resolve itself. There is also
a very rare risk that your bowel could perforate (a small tear could be
made in the wall of the bowel).The doctor will take great care to avoid this
happening and the risks are very much outweighed by the benefit of the
examination.
An allergic reaction to the x-ray dye is extremely rare.
As with all x-ray examinations, we endeavour to keep the exposure to
radiation to the absolute minimum.
Will the examination be painful?
You may experience a little discomfort during intubation (tube insertion
into the back passage).If you have an ileostomy (opening onto the
abdominal wall) you may feel some discomfort when we fill your bowel
with the contrast (X-ray dye). This is due to the stretching of the tissue
after weeks of non- use. The doctor will take great care to minimise any
discomfort for you.
Is there an alternative examination ?
A water soluble enema is the only examination to show leaks in the
large bowel following surgery. You may have other tests to look inside
the large bowel such as Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy. All these tests
complement each other allowing the doctor to best plan your treatment.
What about after care?
After the examination you can eat and drink normally. Some residual dye
may pass into the stoma bag if you have one, following the procedure. It
is of a watery consistency but is sticky to the touch.
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When will I get the results?
The x-rays we take will be reported on after your visit and the results sent
to your referring doctor, which is normally within 14 days. If you already
have a clinic appointment you will receive the results then, otherwise you
will receive a letter with a date for a clinic appointment.
Privacy and dignity
Sometimes tests, although necessary, can be embarrassing or
undignified for patients but we will endeavour to do everything we can to
make you as comfortable as possible during your visit to the department.
We hope that the information in this leaflet will answer any questions you
may have but please feel free to contact us if you have any particular
worries, questions or concerns.
Patient surveys
We value your opinion on our service and in order to deliver, maintain
and improve this service we ask you to complete a short patient
questionnaire found on the appointment letter. Completion of this survey
is entirely voluntary.
Questions & contacts
If you have any further questions, please contact the Radiology
Department on:
01483 571122 Extension 2050 or 01483 464150
Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact us as
soon as possible.
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For further information about Diagnostic Imaging Services at
Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, please contact:
Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Egerton Road,
Park Barn,
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7XX
www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk
Reference source
■■
Royal College of Radiologists
Other sources of information
Useful websites
■■
For general information about radiology departments visit
The Royal College of Radiologists’ website: www.goingfora.com
■■
NICE guidelines - www.nice.org.uk
Notes
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Data sharing reference information is available on Royal Surrey County
Hospital patient information leaflet entitled:
Your Healthcare records - your information PIN120703-562.
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Cover image: www.photolibrary.nhs.uk
Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH) NHS
Foundation Trust fully subscribes to the National
Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) Being Open best
practice framework, November 2010.
Contact details of independent advocacy services can
be provided by our Patient Advice and Liaison Service
(PALS) who are located in far left corner as you enter
the main reception area. PALS are also your first
point of contact for health related issues, questions
or concerns surrounding RSCH patient services.
Contact details
Telephone: 01483 402757
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: 9.00am–4.00pm, Monday to Friday
If you would like information documents in large
print, on tape or in another language or form
please contact us on: 01483 402757
Review date: December 2016
Author: Libby Maine
PIN140311–965
© The Royal Surrey County Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust 2014