Irrigoscopy

Irrigoscopy is an X-ray examination of the large intestine using a contrast agent. The procedure helps assess the condition of the large intestine and detect diverticula, polyps, scar changes, and other pathological changes.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, intestinal X-rays are performed using modern digital equipment. You can undergo irrigoscopy in Kyiv at clinics on the right bank — near the “Dorohozhychi” metro station, as well as on the left bank — in Pozniaky and Berezniaky. The examination can also be performed in Irpin. Schedule an irrigoscopy at a convenient time for you through the contact center or leave a request for a callback on the clinic’s website.

Irrigoscopy helps assess the condition of the large intestine and detect pathological changes that may impair its patency, shape, or function. The examination is used when it is necessary to obtain an X-ray image of the intestinal lumen, its contours, and possible changes in the intestinal walls.

During the examination, the following can be detected:

• diverticula;
• polyps;
• scar changes;
• narrowing of the intestinal lumen;
• impaired patency of the large intestine;
• elongation of individual sections of the intestine;
• signs of neoplasms, including colon cancer.

To conduct the examination, special contrast based on barium sulfate is used. The contrast agent fills the large intestine and makes its contours clearly visible on X-ray images. If necessary, double contrast may be performed: after the introduction of the barium mixture, the intestine is carefully expanded with air to better assess its contours and the relief of the mucous membrane.

With such symptoms, the doctor may recommend an intestinal examination — irrigoscopy to clarify the condition of the large intestine and assess its patency. The examination may also be prescribed to patients with prolonged proctological symptoms, in particular in case of suspected hemorrhoids or other diseases of the large intestine. An X-ray of the intestine is also performed if it is necessary to additionally assess the shape and lumen of the organ or when colonoscopy is temporarily limited.

It should be noted that irrigoscopy is used specifically for examination of the large intestine. If it is necessary to assess the small intestine, the doctor may recommend other diagnostic methods.

Despite the informativeness of the examination, irrigoscopy is not performed in all cases. Before the procedure, the doctor takes into account the patient’s general condition and possible risks, since the administration of a contrast substance has certain limitations.

The main contraindications include:

• suspicion of intestinal perforation;

• severe general condition of the patient;

• acute inflammatory diseases of the large intestine;

• toxic dilation of the large intestine;

• pregnancy, if there is no urgent need for the examination.

In some cases, the procedure may be temporarily postponed — for example, in case of pronounced pain, active intestinal bleeding, or severe exacerbation of the inflammatory process. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of complications and perform the examination more safely.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend informing them before the procedure about previous intestinal operations, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, allergic reactions, and medications that are taken regularly.

Proper preparation for irrigoscopy is important for the accuracy of the examination, since residues of fecal masses or an excess of gases in the intestine may complicate the visualization of changes. High-quality cleansing of the intestine helps obtain clearer X-ray images and increases the informativeness of the examination.

Before the procedure, it is usually recommended to:

• 1–2 days in advance, limit products that may cause pronounced gas formation;

• on the eve of the examination, follow a light diet;

• not consume food for 6-8 hours before the procedure;

• perform cleansing of the intestine with the agents recommended by the doctor.

A special contrast based on barium sulfate is used for the examination, therefore the intestine must be well cleansed. This makes it possible to more accurately assess the condition of the mucous membrane and timely detect pathological changes.

Before the start of the examination, the patient is asked to remove metal objects and take a position on the X-ray table. After this, a contrast substance based on barium sulfate is slowly introduced through the rectum, which fills the large intestine and makes it possible to obtain clear X-ray images.

During the procedure, a series of images is taken in different projections to assess the shape, contours, and patency of the large intestine. In some cases, after the intestine is filled with the contrast substance, air is additionally introduced. This helps to better straighten the intestinal walls and assess its inner surface in more detail.

During the procedure, the patient may feel moderate pressure, abdominal bloating, or urges to defecate, but usually the examination is tolerated well. On average, irrigoscopy lasts 20–40 minutes.

After the examination, the radiologist analyzes the obtained images and prepares a conclusion. With the results, one should contact the doctor who referred for the examination — a gastroenterologist, proctologist, or another specialist, in order to correctly assess the detected changes and determine the further tactics of diagnosis or treatment.

You can find out the current price of irrigoscopy here. In the medical center «Oxford Medical», the examination is performed on modern digital equipment, which makes it possible to obtain clear X-ray images and increase the accuracy of diagnosis of diseases of the large intestine.

You can undergo irrigoscopy in convenient locations in Kyiv — on the right and left bank, as well as in Irpin. In our clinic, patients can not only undergo an examination, but also receive a consultation with a gastroenterologist or proctologist and other medical services. To make an appointment for the examination or clarify the cost of the procedure, contact the contact center or leave a callback request on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• RadiologyInfo.org / RSNA and ACR

• NCBI Bookshelf

• PubMed