Herniogram
Your herniogram is on _______________________at _____________am/pm.
Check in at the Radiology Desk, G3/3. Take the atrium elevators to 3rd floor.
What is a herniogram?
A hernia occurs when a section of bowel pushes through a weakness, tear, or opening in the muscle wall of the abdomen. In most cases, it can be found by physical exam. When it cannot be found that way, you may need a herniogram. For this test, contrast dye is injected into the muscles through a small needle. X-rays are then taken to see if you have a hernia.
Before the Herniogram
1. If you are taking any blood thinners such as aspirin, Persantin , warfarin (Coumadin ) or clopidogrel (Plavix ) you will be instructed on whether to stop these medicines before the test.
2. If you are on metformin (Glucophage®, Glucovance® or Avandament®), talk with your doctor. You may take these medicines the morning of the test, but you cannot take them for 2 days after the contrast dye is used. Taking them could harm your kidneys. Your doctor will need to talk with you about how to control your blood sugar without them for 2 days. A nurse can check your blood sugar for you, if needed, on the day of your test.
3. The morning of the test take your normal morning medicines (except Coumadin®). Take the pills with only small sips of water.
4. Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test.
5. If you are taking insulin we will need to know what kind you take in order to instruct you on how much to take the morning of the procedure. Most often, if you normally take long acting insulin in the morning, you should take ½ the dose on the morning of the biopsy. Also, if you normally take short acting insulin in the morning, most often you should take no short acting insulin. We will check your blood sugar when you arrive.
6. Tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant.
7. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have allergies to shellfish, iodine, latex, or contrast dye. You may need to take medicine 24 hours before your exam to prevent a reaction.
The Test
The doctor will first explain the test and then ask you to sign a consent form. An intravenous (IV) line will be started to give you fluid or medicine you need. A nurse will be with you during the test.
- The test takes about 1 hour.
- Your stomach will be washed with an iodine-based soap.
- A numbing medicine will be used on the area where the needle will go in.
- You may feel a short, sharp pain as the needle moves through your skin into the muscle.
- The doctor will then inject the contrast dye. After this is done, the needle is taken out.
- You will be asked to turn side to side to help spread the contrast dye. A series of x-rays is taken as you change positions. This is how we are able to find hernias.
After the Test
- You will need to have someone drive you home. Someone should stay with you that night.
- Most patients have a feeling of fullness, which may last 24 hours. Your body will absorb the contrast dye, and the fullness should go away. Some patients may have mild abdominal pain during or after the test. The pain should only last 24 hours. For pain relief, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
- A small Band-aid® will cover the needle site. You may bathe or shower the next day.
- Most patients return to work or resume normal activity the next day.
When to Call the Doctor
- Increasing redness or warmth at puncture site
- Foul-smelling, yellow, or green drainage from puncture site
- Increased swelling at puncture site
- Increased pain and/or tenderness at the puncture site or the stomach
- Temperature (by mouth) above 100.4º for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
- Itching or hives
- Vomiting
Call your local doctor, if you have any of the above symptoms.
Phone Numbers
Interventional Radiology Department, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 PM (608) 263-8355.
After hours, weekends or holidays, you will reach the paging operator. Ask for the Interventional Radiologist on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
The toll-free number is 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/16/2010
Copyright © 07/16/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5290
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