Your doctor has requested a Sitz Marker Study. The study is most often used with patients who are suffering from chronic constipation, for example less than two bowel movements per week. During the test tiny "markers" are used to see how fast food is moving through the intestines. At Cedars-Sinai we have a team of physicians, nurses and technologists who specialize in these procedures, and who are led by Richard Sukov, M.D., Chief of Gastrointestinal Radiology.

You will pick up a capsule along with instructions for taking it from the Imaging Center. This capsule contains tiny markers which will show up on x-rays and let the doctors track their progress through your intestines.

You will be instructed to make an appointment for you abdominal x-ray 5 days after you take the capsule.

It is important that you come back exactly 5 full days after you have taken the pill.

X-ray images will be taken of your abdomen to see if any of the "markers" are left in your colon or have been expelled.

Your study will be read by the imaging physician and results sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

To request copies of your pictures on a PC and MAC compatible CD, or a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000 and follow the prompts for your selection.

You can be dropped off in front of the South Tower on Gracie Allen Drive.

Parking is available in the South Tower parking lot, also off of Gracie Allen Drive. (If the lot is full, you will be directed to another parking lot.) To get into the parking lot, you need to be heading east on Gracie Allen. You can not turn into the lot if you are westbound.

Parking is partially validated.