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Evacuation Proctogram (Defecography)

Your doctor has requested an imaging study called an evacuation proctogram (also known as defecography). This study is used to help diagnose a wide range of pelvic floor problems, such as: anal or pelvic pain, difficult defecation, sensation of incomplete emptying, constant sensation of a full rectum, constipation, feeling of "something" coming out of the anus or vagina as you strain, and leakage of stool. This procedure is under the direction of Richard Sukov, MD FACR, Chief of Gastrointestinal Imaging at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Before Your Exam

This procedure is done on a cash-pay basis. This means that you must pay for the exam when you come to the imaging center. Most insurance companies do not cover this procedure. If you have questions about the billing of this procedure, please call us at: (310) 423-8000.

No special preparation is necessary for this procedure.

Because you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, please wear clothing that is easy for you to remove and put back on.

Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, a magazine, or a music player to help pass the time while you are waiting.

After You Arrive

Before your exam, you will speak with one of our imaging physicians, who will discuss your symptoms and the procedure with you. Our physician will also answer any questions you may have.

During Your Exam

You will be taken to a private room and asked to change into a hospital gown.

30 minutes before your exam you will be asked to drink six ounces of barium (a material that allows the imaging physician to see the details of your intestines).

You will be taken to an examination room, and asked to lie on your side on an exam table. The physician will inject a barium paste - about the consistency of toothpaste - through a tube into your rectum.

You will then be asked to sit on a special toilet, which will allow images to be taken during the process of defecation. Images and video will be taken with a fluoroscope, a type of moving-picture X-ray.

During the procedure you will be asked to pinch up the rectum, cough, strain and finally evacuate.

The exam takes approximately one hour.

After Your Exam

Drink plenty of liquid for 24-48 hours. The barium may make your stool white for several days.

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-compatible CD, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.

Parking at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located in Lot P7 at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.

Parking is partially validated and validation is available in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center lobby.

You may also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.

There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center.

There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.