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HOME/How We Do It/Constipation

Constipation

Constipation
June 7, 2021
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By: Glenn Miñano

Many children have common medical problems that require an X-ray to evaluate their medical issue. One very common medical problem in children is constipation. This refers to a child who stools infrequently enough to collect an abnormally large amount of stool in the large intestine, sometimes causing abdominal pain, and resulting in difficulty eliminating it from their bottom or sometimes even causing them to have accidents in their underwear.  

If stool softeners or other medicines to help them eliminate the stool are not working, oftentimes the pediatrician may order a contrast enema. This is an imaging test that can map out the large intestine to make sure there are no blockages resulting in decreased elimination of the stool.  

The test involves laying the child on an X-ray table and placing a tube that fits into the distal rectum and infusing a clear, water soluble fluid that can be seen when the X-ray are turned on. The images of the large intestine are seen on a video screen. Once the images are taken, the patient is sent to the bathroom to eliminate the fluid and stool in the toilet. An X-ray of the belly is then taken again to see how much stool was eliminated.  

PRE EVAC_900x683
Image: The pre-evac image shows the entire colon filled with the fluid we can see on X-ray that gives a nice map of the large intestine.

POST EVAC_900x748
Image: The post-evac image shows how well the child can evacuate the fluid in the toilet. In this child, a lot was evacuated with only a small amount remaining.

This test can help your doctor know if there is an abnormality that needs to be fixed to help your child stool better.  

 

Kraus template

Dr. Steven Kraus, author; Glenn Miñano, BFA, editor; Meredith Towbin, copy editor

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TAGS:
  • Colorectal Center
  • constipation
  • fluoroscopy
  • radiology
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About the author: Glenn Miñano

Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.

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