Men’s Health-Erectile DysfunctionGallbladder disorders are quite common in older people, but X-ray abnormalities of the gallbladder do not always indicate illness. Sometimes a gallstone is found in an older individual who has no symptoms of gallbladder disease. These routine X-rays show the gallbladder and the biliary ducts, and the connection to the small intestine
The simplest type of gallbladder X-ray, the oral cholecys-togram, requires that you swallow a number of tablets that contain an iodine substance that accumulates in the gallbladder. The X-ray is taken the morning after the tablets are swallowed. You may be given a fatty food snack during the X-ray procedure to see whether the gallbladder expels its contents normally. Any gallstones would also be shown in this study. The tablets can cause a few loose bowel movements on the day of the examination.
A transhepatic cholangiogram may be used in more severe gallbladder diseases or when a physician suspects a prolonged blockage to the outflow of bile. This X-ray is usually done in anticipation of surgery to relieve the obstruction. If there is a complete blockage, you may require surgery fairly urgently. A very fine needle injecting an iodine dye is inserted into the liver, after suitable local anesthesia is given to prevent discomfort. The dye enters a bile “pool” and then flows into the biliary ducts. The tests risks are slightly greater than other X-rays but much less serious than the illness it tests for.
Many gallbladder X-rays have been replaced by simpler, safer, and more accurate echogram (ultrasound) procedures, discussed in a later section.
The most common X-ray to investigate kidney disorders and diseases of the urinary tract is an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). An iodine-containing substance is injected into a vein and the kidneys are outlined by the dye as it enters the urine. An enema to clear the bowel is usually required before the test. The test usually causes no pain but some people feel warm or mildly nauseated for a few moments while the dye enters the body. This X-ray cannot be done if you are allergic to iodine. Echograms commonly replace some X-rays of the kidneys. Sometimes a combination of investigations is required.
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