Presbyterian Healthcare 
Discogram
| A discogram is a special x-ray that will help your physician determine which "discs" are causing your pain. |
Special Instructions
- You may not eat solid food for eight hours before your procedure.
- You may not drink non-clear liquids for eight hours before your procedure.
- You may drink clear liquids only until three hours before your procedure (clear liquids include colas, coffee without cream, tea, apple juice). DO NOT drink milk, orange juice, or any other juices containing pulp.
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure.
- Stop taking pain medications four hours prior to your procedure.
- A responsible adult will need to drive you home.
- The procedure will be canceled if you have eaten, swallowed liquids that are not allowed, or if you do not have a ride available.
- Notify your physician and the Radiology Department if you are allergic to penicillin and/or IVP dye, iodine, or shrimp. Medications may be needed for us to use the dye.
Day of Procedure Instructions
- Please notify the receptionist in the Admissions Department immediately upon your arrival.
- The Admissions Counselor will ask for your insurance information. Please bring it and any forms given to you by your doctor that may be needed for this procedure.
- A nurse will discuss your health history and obtain your permission for the procedure. It is very important that you inform the nurse and Radiologist of any major health problems. If you have questions, please ask.
Procedure
- Before the procedure, a nurse will place a needle in a vein in your arm. You will be given an antibiotic to prevent infection and a mild sedative through this needle. During the procedure, the nurse will be with you to check your blood pressure, pulse, respiration and oxygen level.
- You will be asked to lie on your stomach.
- A small pillow may be placed under you to tilt you toward the side that is painful.
- The lower part of your back will be cleaned with a solution (betadine).
- The physician (radiologist) will numb your skin and muscles with an injection (Xylocaine).
- An x-ray machine called Fluoroscope will help to determine which discs the doctor will study.
- He or she will then guide a small needle into the disc identified and inject a special dye.
Special Notes
- This procedure has an extremely low complication rate.
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Potential problems include:
- infection
- injury to nerves and blood vessels.
- The test usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes based on the number of discs to be examined.
- After the procedure, you will need to stay at the hospital for approximately one hour so that we may determine your response to the sedation. This allows your pain to return to what is normal for you.
- Generally, there is discomfort during this procedure. You will receive some medication during the prodecure to help control the discomfort. We will do all we can to make this procedure tolerable for you.
When to Call the Doctor
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If you experience any of the following problems, call the Radiology Department at (704) 316-1527. After hours and weekends please call (704) 384-4056.
- redness or swelling at the injection site
- fever or chills
- Call your doctor if you experience pain not relieved by the usual methods of heat, ice, rest or medication.
Discharge Instructions
- You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
- You may temporarily have some increase in pain. This usually returns to the level of pain you had before the procedure within a short time.
- You may resume taking your usual pain medications when you return home.
- If you had to stop taking any medication to prepare for the test, wait 24-48 hours before you resume taking the medicine. Your nurse will remind you of which medications apply to you.
- Avoid airline travel for two to eight days following a discogram.
If you have any questions about the procedure, please call the Radiology Department at (704)384-4177.
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Do you have questions about radiology technology? Visit our Health Library for answers. |
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