Diagnostic Imaging

Central Scheduling Phone: 603-663-2180

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MRI of the Pelvic Floor (Defecography)

MRI of the pelvic floor is often the only way to show how the muscles are working. This cannot be seen or determined in your doctor’s office visit. It can often be the test that provides the answer to the issues experienced over a period of time.

If you have been scheduled for a MR Defecography you will be asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your exam. After the necessary safety screening form is complete you will be asked to change into MRI Safe clothing. You will be given disposable underwear to wear as well.

You will be asked to lie on the MRI table where you will be covered up with a blanket or sheet to give you privacy.

Your privacy is always a priority.

Gel will be inserted into your rectum using a small enema tip. The gel highlights the anatomy and differentiates the muscles.

This exam will take approximately 15-20 minutes

The first pictures are obtained with you relaxing normally followed by a series of instructions including the following;

1. Squeezing and releasing your pelvic muscles for 30 second (similar to Kegal exercises)
2. Bearing down for 30 seconds and relaxing for 30 seconds
3. Lastly you will be asked to attempt to push the gel out and it may or may not come out but either way it will show what your muscles are doing. Remember, you are wearing a garment and there is no worry of any gel ending up on the exam table.

The exam is now complete and you will be given the necessary items to clean up as well as additional disposable underwear to wear home.