Has your doctor told you to have a test called a Loopogram? Or maybe you're just curious to know more about it. The name may sound a bit new, or even a bit scary. But don't worry, we'll talk about this test called a Loopogram in a simple way that you can understand.
What is a Loopogram? Simply put...
Simply put, a loopogram is a special test that is done to see if the urine is flowing properly in people who have had their bladder surgically removed and an ileal conduit created in its place . As you may recall, some people have to have their bladder completely removed due to a serious condition like bladder cancer. Doctors call this type of surgery a radical cystectomy or cystoprostatectomy. That's why an ileal conduit is created for such people.
So, with a loopogram, your doctor can take a series of clear pictures of your urinary system, including your kidneys, the ureters, the newly created ileal conduit, and the stoma that connects it.
What is the ileal conduit and the stoma?
Now you might be wondering what this ileal conduit and stoma are. Okay, I'll explain that too.
Imagine, when someone's bladder is removed, they have to create another way for urine to leave the body, right? That's when a surgeon takes a small piece of your own small intestine and makes a tube out of it . This is called an ileal conduit . Then, the two tubes that carry urine from your kidneys (ureters) are connected to this created piece of intestine. Next, the other end of this piece of intestine is connected to a small opening made in the skin of your abdomen, that is, the stomach. This opening is called a stoma .
What happens then is that instead of collecting in the bladder, urine comes directly from the kidneys through the ileal conduit and flows out of the body through the stoma. This process of changing the urinary tract in this way is called urinary diversion in medicine. To collect the urine that comes out of the stoma, a special bag (stoma bag) can be attached over it.
Why do a Loopogram? What is expected from it?
Okay, now let's see why this loopogram test is performed, and what doctors are looking for in it.
The most important thing is to make sure that after you have undergone urinary diversion surgery, as I mentioned earlier, that the newly created urinary system is working properly and without any obstructions .
With this test, doctors can:
- Check to see if urine from the kidneys is flowing properly through the newly created ileal conduit and into the stoma.
- Find out if there is a blockage or narrowing anywhere in the urinary tract.
- Identify if there is any leakage of urine from anywhere in the urinary tract.
- If there is any other problem, find out exactly what it is.
Based on the information found in this way, doctors make decisions about what treatments you need in the future and what kind of things you need to do.
Important: Sometimes, a person who has a colostomy, which involves removing part of the colon, or an ileostomy, which involves removing part of the small intestine, may also have a similar test (distal loopogram) to check the function of that stoma.
How is a Loopogram test performed?
This is really not that complicated. Think of it like taking a picture.
During the test, a radiologist or radiology technician will slowly and carefully insert a small, thin tube (catheter) into your stoma . Then, a special liquid (contrast fluid) is injected through the tube into the ileal conduit. This fluid helps the parts of your urinary tract, including the ileal conduit, ureters, and kidneys, show up clearly on X-ray images.
While several X-ray images are taken, you may be asked to turn into different positions. This is to examine all sides of the urethra. It is from these images that the doctor can see if there are any problems in the urethra, such as narrowing or leaks.
How should you prepare before the test?
Preparing for a Loopogram is also very easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing for the test. Avoid wearing too much jewelry. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown during the test. You may be asked to remove jewelry from your abdomen.
- Pregnancy: If you think you might be pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor beforehand . You may be asked to do a pregnancy test before the procedure, as X-rays are not usually done on pregnant women.
- A new stoma bag: Bring a new stoma bag and dressings for your stoma. This will help the examiner remove your current bag and put on a new one after the examination.
- Food and Medication: You may eat and drink normally before this test. If you have any medications you take daily, you may continue to take them as usual, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
What happens on test day? The exact steps...
On the day of the test, the doctor or technician will proceed as follows:
1. First, they will help you get comfortable on the examination table .
2. Next, your stoma bag will be slowly removed .
3. Clean the area around the stoma thoroughly .
4. Then, the small tube (catheter) mentioned earlier is inserted into the stoma . This may feel a little uncomfortable, but it is not very painful.
5. A special liquid (Contrast Fluid) is injected through that tube.
6. Then, several X-ray pictures of your urethra will be taken . You may be asked to turn your body around and hold it in different positions. This will take clear pictures from all sides.
7. Once the pictures are taken, the catheter will be removed and you will be helped to put on the new stoma bag you brought .
That's all. It's simpler than you think, right?
How long does this test take?
The actual loopogram test takes about 15 minutes to perform. However, to prepare for it, and to wait a bit after the test, you should allow about 30 minutes to an hour for the entire appointment .
What should I be concerned about after the test?
This is the best option. After the test is over, unless your doctor gives you special instructions, you can continue with your normal activities . You won't need to rest much.
Are there any risks to a loopogram? Are there any side effects?
This is also good news for you. The loopogram test is a minimally risky test .
However, very rarely, the following may happen:
- There is a small chance of a small infection occurring at the site where the tube is inserted through the stoma.
- There is a very small chance of having an allergic reaction to the special liquid (contrast agent) that is injected. But that happens rarely.
- Most importantly, it's not a good idea to have this test if you're pregnant . That's why you need to tell your doctor beforehand.
Other than this, there are no major risks in this test.
How do I get the test results? What happens next?
The radiologist who performed the test will send the X-ray images and his observation notes to the doctor who referred you for this test.
If your doctor looks at the report and sees any problems with your urinary tract, such as narrowing or leaks, he will talk to you about it . He will explain what to do next and what kind of treatment is needed.
What time do you need to see the doctor?
If you have any questions or doubts about this test or the results, don't be afraid to ask your doctor . He or she will explain everything to you. It is your right.
Finally, the most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Having your bladder surgically removed is a big change in your life. It completely changes the way your body urinates. You may have mixed feelings about it, and that's normal.
However, this test, called a Loopogram, is a very safe, painless, and valuable way to find out if this new method is right for your body and is working well .
This test can help you identify any problems or issues early on and get the necessary treatment before they become serious . This can help you prevent further complications.
So, if you have any questions about this test or the results, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. They are there to help you. It's important to listen to all the questions you have about your health.
` Lupogram, urine test, ileal conduit, stoma, bladder removal, urethra, X-ray examination
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