What is a Loopogram test? Let's learn about it simply!

Sometimes in our lives we have to undergo major surgeries. Especially in serious cases like bladder cancer, there are times when the entire bladder needs to be surgically removed. In that case, another way must be found to remove the urine produced by the kidneys from the body. At that time, the doctors take a part of your own small intestine, make a new tube from it, and fix it so that it comes out on the surface of the skin of the abdomen. Then a bag is connected to it to collect the urine. If you have had this kind of surgery, your doctor may have told you to have a 'Loopogram'. When you hear that name, you may feel a little scared and curious. Don't be afraid of anything. This is not as big a deal as you think. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

Simply put, what is a Loopogram?

A loopogram is a special X-ray test that is used to check if your newly created urethra is working properly after your bladder is removed.

Imagine that after removing your bladder, your doctor used part of your small intestine to create a new passageway. This is called an ileal conduit . This new passageway connects the ureters from your kidneys, and the other end comes out through the skin of your abdomen. This opening on the skin is called a stoma . Urine passes through this stoma and collects in a bag attached to it.

So, this loopogram test is done to see if this new system is working properly, if there is a blockage somewhere, or if urine is leaking from somewhere. Just like checking for traffic jams on a road, or if there are any cracks or breaks in the road, this test checks if urine is flowing properly from your kidneys along the newly created road.

Who wants to do this test?

Typically, if you have a stoma, a surgically created opening in your abdomen, you may need to have this type of test. It could be related to the urinary system, or it could be related to the digestive system.

This test may be needed by someone who has had the following surgeries:

• Urostomy: This is a stoma created in the abdomen to divert urine from the urinary tract. The laparogram we are talking about is most often performed on these people.
• Colostomy: A stoma that brings the large intestine (colon) to the surface of the abdominal skin and allows stool to pass through.
• Ileostomy: A stoma that brings the small intestine to the surface of the abdominal skin and allows stool to pass through.

After these surgeries, this test is very important for the doctor to make sure that the newly created pathway is working properly.

What does this actually mean? How does it work?

This process is very simple. You have no reason to be afraid.

This is usually done by a radiologist or related technician.

First, a very fine, small tube (catheter) is inserted into your stoma. Then, a special liquid (contrast fluid) is injected through that tube. The special thing about this liquid is that it shows up clearly on X-rays.

This fluid travels down your new ileal conduit, through your ureters, and all the way to your kidneys. During this time, several X-ray pictures are taken. Your entire urinary system will appear as a clear map on the X-ray.

How should I prepare before the test?

This doesn't require much preparation, but it will be easier for you if you keep these things in mind.

What happens during the test?

When you go to the testing room, these are the steps that occur:

1. You will be placed in the correct position on the X-ray table. The staff will help you with this.

2. Carefully remove your stoma bag.

3. Clean the area around the stoma thoroughly.

4. A very fine tube (catheter) is inserted into the stoma. This is not very painful, but you may feel a little discomfort.

5. The special liquid (contrast fluid) is injected through that tube.

6. Then some X-ray pictures will be taken. You may be asked to turn your body slightly to get some good pictures.

7. Once the pictures are taken, the tube will be removed and the new stoma bag you brought will be fitted.

The whole process is very quick. You don't have to worry about anything.

How long will this take?

The laparogram itself takes about 15 minutes , but you'll need to set aside about 30 minutes or an hour to get everything done after you've registered, changed, and finished.

After the test and at-risk conditions

You can go home as soon as the test is over. Unless the doctor gives you any other special instructions, you can continue with all your normal activities.

Is there a risk?

A laparogram is a test with very minimal risk .

• There is a very small chance of an infection developing in the stoma.
• Also, there is a very small chance of having an allergic reaction to the special liquid (contrast agent) that is injected.
• This test is not performed on pregnant women.

How do I get the test results (report)?

Your X-ray images and related report will be sent by the radiologist to your primary care physician who recommended this test for you.

Your doctor will review the report and discuss any problems, such as a blockage or leak, with you. He or she will also discuss next steps and treatment options.

Removing your bladder is a big change in your body. So this lupogram is very important to make sure that the change is working properly. This can help you find and treat any problems before they become serious. So, if you have any questions or concerns about this test, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about them.