MRI Defecography or Magnetic Resonance Defecography (MRD) is a medical technique used to evaluate the functioning of pelvic muscles during defecation. It helps in determining whether the bowel movements are accurate in the patient’s body or not. This technique involves radio waves and magnetic fields to get detailed images of various organs, which are crucial for defecation. It is better than the traditional defecography in which X-rays are used for determining the reason behind bowel disorders.

MRI Defecography is performed when you begin experiencing Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS). The bowel movements get disrupted. There is a constant sensation that the rectum has still not emptied. You can even lose control over the defecation process and experience the involuntary discharge of solid and liquid faeces. In some cases, the situation might deteriorate and give birth to secondary complications. Such a situation demands MRI Defecography.

Some of the symptoms experienced by people who urgently require MRI Defecography are:

• ● Chronic Constipation: The patients complain of highly irregular and infrequent bowel movements. A gastroenterology report estimated that 10% of the Indian population suffers from chronic constipation.
• ● Need to exert too much pressure during defecation. It can even require fingering to assist the passing of stools.
• Solidified and hard stool.
• ● Faecal Incontinence: In such a situation, the patient finds it difficult to determine when there is a need to go to the toilet. The control over the defecation process is lost.
• ● Rectal Prolapse: It is a condition in which the rectum loses contact with the rest of the excretory system and often bulges outwards.
• ● Rectocele: The rectal wall protrudes beyond its limits.
• ● Bloatedness
• ● Incomplete excretion

The intensity of symptoms varies in every patient. As soon as these are diagnosed, the treatment and cure both get simplified.

Once you start experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately to eliminate the possibility of any other complexities. Before diagnosing the need for MRI Defecography, an external examination might be carried out to ensure that organs are in place. Explain the symptoms thoroughly to the doctor as it helps understand the medical problem better and choose the proper treatment for the patient. If you suspect pregnancy or have undergone any cardiac surgery previously, bring it to the doctor’s notice. The doctor might also perform a colonoscopy to detect abnormalities in the large intestine generally and in the colon or rectum specifically. If these examinations do not sufficiently help in diagnosing the issue, MRI defecography needs to be performed.

MRI Defecography is carried out with the help of an MRI machine having a closed configuration. Unlike colonoscopy, no previous preparation is required when MRI Defecography is to be performed. You don’t need to skip your meals or empty your bowels before coming to the doctor. Since it is a procedure that involves the use of magnetic fields, you will be required to remove accessories that might contain metals such as jewellery, hairpins or your wristwatch to ensure that results do not get disrupted. You will be required to consume water and control the urine. A certain amount of ultrasound jelly is inserted into the rectum with the help of a plastic tube called a catheter. You will be required to wear a diaper and then urinate when the imaging is carried out. Meanwhile, doctors will capture images during the entire process. The procedure culminates.

MRI Defecography is more reliable than the traditional defecography method. It provides an in-depth analysis of the underlying medical condition. The radiologist will analyse the images obtained after MRI Defecography and decide upon the treatment regime. If the condition is mild, no major interventions will be required, such as constipation or bloating. Faecal incontinence can be treated with specific changes in dietary habits only. However, if rectal prolapse or rectal intussusception gets diagnosed, surgery needs to be done.

MRI Defecography is a smooth procedure. No serious risks are associated with it. However, some patients can experience the following discomforts:

• ● Mild pain can be experienced when ultrasound jelly is inserted
• ● The sound of the MRI machine during imaging can be irritating.
• ● The warmth of the radio waves can make the patient uncomfortable.
• ● Laying down in a position conducive for the imaging to be carried out can be challenging for some patients.
• ● Claustrophobic patients should inform the doctor in advance.

MRI Defecography is not at all painful. Slight discomfort can be there when the ultrasound jelly gets inserted. Otherwise, the entire process is speedy and devoid of any bodily pains.

Pregnant women shouldn’t undergo MRI Defecography during the first three months of pregnancy. Inform the doctor if you are expecting pregnancy.

Remove any metal objects from your body before going for the imaging procedure. Follow the doctor’s instructions very carefully.

Avoid changing positions during the MRI Defecography. It disrupts accurate clinical information.

The strong magnetic fields can make you lose the sense of space for a while.