UNIT 3: Lower Digestive Tract (Barium Enema) Large Intestine Flashcards
Large intestine is also known as the
Colon
Large intestines extends from the
ileo-cecal junction to anal canal
Large intestine structures
-Cecum
-Ascending Colon
-Transverse Colon
-Descending Colon
-Sigmoid Colon
-Rectum
Cecum
-Most proximal portion of colon
-RLQ
-Veriform Appendix attaches to cecum and is 2-6 inches long
Ascending Colon
Extends up the right side of the abdomen from cecum to right colic (hepatic) flexure
Hepatic or Right Colic Flexure
-Bends to the left joining ascending colon to transverse colon
-Attaches to underside of liver
-Lies posterior
Transverse Colon
-Extends across abdomen
-Most anterior portion of colon
-From hepatic flexure to splenic (left colic) flexure
Splenic or Left Colic Flexure
-Downward bend between transverse and descending colon
-Attaches to inferior surface of spleen
Hepatic vs Splenic Flexure
Hepatic flexure sits lower then splenic flexure because of the liver
Descending Colon
-Extends down left side of abdomen
-Splenic flexure to sigmoid colon
-Lies posterior
Sigmoid Colon
-S-Shape
-Extends from Iliac Crest to rectum
-Lies anterior
Rectum
-Most distal portion of large intestine
-Extends from level of S-3 to Anal Canal
Anal canal
-Distal 1-2 inches of rectum
-Regulated by 2 sphincters
Haustra
-Pouches produced from circular muscle fibers
Taenia Coli
longitudinal band of muscle fibers extending from apex to rectum
Large intestine radiograph labeled
Room Preparation
-Fluoroscopy room setup (make sure fluoro works)
-IV Pole
-Clamps
-Gel (Lubrication), Contrast Media Prepared
-Towels, Linens, Washcloths, and Chucks available
-Grid holder, Grid, IR available near by
-Check site protocol
Barium enema: single vs double contrast
-Single: Using RADIOPAQUE contrast media only
-Ex: Barium, Gastrografin
-Double: Using RADIOPAQUE and RADIOLUCENT contrast media
Radiopaque vs Radiolucent
-Radiopaque media uses barium or a type of water based iodinated CM
-Demonstrates anatomy & tonus
-Gastrografin may be used in cases of suspected bowel perforation or leaks
-Radiolucent uses gas to distend the bowel lumen
-Enables better bowel demonstration
Place enema bag on IV pole prior to start of exam:
-No higher than ___ inches above anus/Tabletop
-Remove the _______ from the tube prior to tipping
-24
-air
Patient Prep
-Low residue diet day prior to exam
-Laxative evening prior to exam
-NPO after midnight
-Cleansing enemas morning of exam
Prep Contraindications
-Colostomy Patients
-Prolonged diarrhea
-Hirschsprung’s Disease/ Megacolon
-Absence of neurons in the bowel wall; prevents relaxation of colon
-Abdomen distention, severe constipation, and recurrent fecal impactions
-Results in defective evacuation of rectum
-Treated surgically by removal of ganglion segment
-Severe rectal bleeding
Enema tips
Best position for enemas
Sims position
-Turn patient on left side
-Lean body forward
-Slightly bend top knee forward
-Position relaxes abdominal muscles
Barium enema: tube insertion
-Use lots of lubrication
-Direct tip anterior (towards umbilicus) and slightly superior
-Follow rectal curve
-DO NOT FORCE
-Once in place, balloon is inflated to hold tip in place
Barium enema: contrast administration
-Radiologist requests enema clip be released, barium flows into colon
-Patients may begin to feel uncomfortable and “full”
-Patient may be instructed to roll around table while tip is still in place
-You need to keep bag/ line clear of patient’s feet so it does not get tangled
Barium enema: Double Contrast Media Study
-Radiologist will ask you to place bag on floor to drain out barium. Be sure you have enough slack on line, you don’t want to pull on the inflated tip
-Rad will “puff” air into colon. Patient’s abdomen will become distended
-This is very uncomfortable for patients! Remind them to take slow, easy breaths
-Rad will instruct patient to roll around on table
Single and Double Contrast views
-Single:
-AP
-AP Axial
-RPO
-LPO
-Left Lateral Rectum
-Double:
-AP
-AP Axial
-RPO
-LPO
-PA
-Right & Left Lateral Decubitus
-Ventral Decubitus
-Cross- Table Lateral Rectum