Regardless of the site of the procedure, you’ll be required to fast for several hours prior to the examination. You’ll be given detailed instructions for how to prepare for your procedure when you book your appointment. This may involve ceasing certain medications and having a blood test.

You’ll need to tell the radiographer if you are:

• Pregnant
• Suffering from any serious health conditions or allergies (e.g. diabetes or kidney disease)
• Taking any medication

Your GP or specialist may ask you to bring your medications or copies of previous x-rays. Everything else will be supplied by the radiographer.

You’ll be asked to remove any metallic items, such as jewellery, watches, eyewear and belts, as these items can show up on the x-ray.

You’ll also be asked to remove any clothing obstructing the area to be x-rayed and given a medical gown to wear instead, so try and wear something that’s comfortable and easy to remove.

After the procedure you’ll need a few hours of rest to allow the effects of the anesthetic to wear off and to prevent any bleeding from the catheter insertion. 

Some patients may be asked to stay in hospital overnight for observation, but most will be able to go home after a couple of hours.

You’ll need a friend or family to stay with you as it usually takes 8-12 hours before patients feel healthy enough to resume normal activities.

You’ll need someone to pick you up from the hospital as there will be an increased risk of bleeding from the catheter site for many hours. Patients should also abstain from any alcohol or the operation of any machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure.