Bowel Motility Study Patient Information Leaflet (160kB pdf)
Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your Bowel Motility/Colon Transit
examination. Please read all of the information contained in this leaflet carefully. Please contact the team if you require further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
What is a Colonic Transit study?
A Colon Transit Study is a series of abdominal x-rays taken over a period of days after swallowing a Bowel Motility Capsule. This study determines how long it takes food to travel through the digestive system
Why do I need a Colonic Transit Study?
You are having this study performed, as it will help your doctor to decide on the cause of your symptoms, giving clearer information to the specialists treating you without causing any side effects or discomfort to you. You may need this examination due to a change in bowel habits or a sluggish bowel as determined by your doctor.
Are there any risks?
X-ray radiation: The radiation dose you receive from a medical x-ray is very low and your doctor, along with the radiologists, have determined that the benefits of having the examination outweigh potential risks. The radiographer is present throughout your test making sure that the dose is as low as reasonably possible and the duration and level of x-rays are kept to a minimum.
Gelatin and Barium Sulphate: The bowel motility capsules contain gelatin and
barium sulphate; please contact the department if you are allergic to either.
Patients aged 12 to 55, could you be pregnant? X-rays can be harmful to an unborn baby and should be avoided by patients who are or may be pregnant. It is recommended that the examination is performed within 10 days of the first day of your menstrual period. If your appointment is not within this time or if you think you may be pregnant, please contact the X-ray department before your appointment. When you arrive for your test, you will be asked when your last period started. If it is more than 10 days earlier, your appointment may be postponed.
Preparing for your procedure: Before the examination
We will ask you to take the Bowel Motility capsule on a specific day (see appointment letter) and come to the department for your x-rays. It is important that you do this, otherwise it will mean that the information will not be complete. The Bowel Motility Capsule is a gelatin capsule that contains 20 radiopaque polyurethane markers containing 30% Barium Sulphate.
- Day 1 (Usually a Saturday) Please take the enclosed capsule between 9-11am.
- Day 3 Please attend the radiology department between 9-11am.
- Day 5 Please attend the radiology department between 9-11am.
- Day 7 Please attend the radiology department between 9-11am.
Eating and drinking: You may eat and drink as normal, but please do not take any laxatives after taking the Bowel Motility capsules.
Medication
Continue to take your usual medication as directed, except for any laxatives, which are to
be stopped until the last x-ray of this study.
Getting to us
Please come to: – The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex.
CM20 1QX then report to the Radiology reception, Ground Floor, Green Zone (just
past the shop on the right if you are coming from the main entrance), who will tell the
staff undertaking your examination that you have arrived.
When should I arrive?
You will receive a text/letter informing you to call the Radiology department to make your appointment. You will then be sent an appointment with the dates and times for you to arrive.
How long will the procedure take?
This whole process should take about 30 minutes, there may be a delay if the department
has to prioritise emergency cases.
After the procedure
You can eat and drink as normal throughout this study, however, only resume taking
laxatives after the last x-ray. The capsule will pass through and out of your digestive
system unnoticed.
Can someone stay with me in hospital?
Due to the Ionising Radiation Regulations, only patients are permitted into the X-ray
room.
Please do not bring young children with you to this appointment. Children must not be left unaccompanied in the x-ray department and there are no facilities for them to be looked after while you have your scan.
Can I drive after my procedure?
It is very unlikely that you will have any ill effects from this procedure and will be able to
drive throughout the study.
How soon can I return to work?
Apart from attending for your x-rays there is no need to take any time off work.
How and when do I get my results?
We are not able to give you the results straight away. The X-rays need to be reviewed
and reported by a consultant radiologist and the results are put into your electronic radiology notes and sent to your referring clinician. Your results are available from the clinician who sent you for the examination.
Contacting the team
- If you have any further questions, please contact the Radiology Team; Telephone: 01279 827179 between 09:00-16:00 Monday to Friday
- If you would like to give feedback on your care, please contact our patient experience team at [email protected] or 01279 827211.
- Please contact the communications team at [email protected] if you would like this leaflet in another language or format.