Defecating Proctogram

A common diagnostic test performed by radiologists who specialize in gastrointestinal and colorectal imaging is a defecating proctogram, also known as a defagram. Patients who experience chronic constipation or fecal incontinence may need to undergo this test to help diagnose a rectal outlet obstruction or other abnormality, to determine the outcome of a surgical procedure, or possibly to see whether they are suffering from an anterior vs. posterior rectocele. The procedure allows for visualization of the entire process in which a patient has a bowel movement. Women who undergo the procedure will have a barium contrast material injected vaginally in preparation for the exam. This will make it easier for the doctor to identify the presence of an enterocele, anterior rectocele or sigmoidocele condition. Next, the patient uses a toilet that is positioned next to a fluoroscope device with an X-ray component that records the evacuation process.