MRI Defecography: Price, Purpose, Procedure & Results [2026]
Your doctor may recommend an MRI defecography (defecogram) test if you’re experiencing difficulty with bowel movements or other rectal or anal symptoms. This specialized imaging test uses MRI technology to create detailed images of the rectum and anus, allowing doctors to diagnose and evaluate conditions that affect their function. MRI Defecogram price ranges from Rs 5200 to Rs 12000.
This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to MRI defecography, including what it is, how it’s performed, and what conditions it can diagnose. We’ll also discuss this test’s benefits, potential risks, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
MRI Defecography is an important study for patients with bowel disturbances such as constipation, incontinence, rectal prolapse, or unexplained pain in the pelvic area. The uniqueness of this particular scan lies in it showing the rectum along with the pelvic floor during its act, unlike the conventional MRI, which only provides static images. Thereby, a clear view of muscle weakness, structural changes, or lack of coordination that affects standard bowel movements can be assessed. Being completely painless, the test is safe, free of any harmful radiation. Given the comprehensive imaging, the physician can explain the exact cause of the patient’s symptoms, enabling them to decide the best long-term treatment for relief and a better quality of life.
What is MRI Defecography?
MRI defecography is a type of medical imaging test that uses MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology to create detailed images of the rectum and anus. Defecography is derived from ‘defecation’, which refers to the discharge of faeces from the body. This test is often used to diagnose and evaluate conditions that affect the function of the rectum and anus, such as rectal prolapse, faecal incontinence, and obstructed defecation. It can also be used to assess the effectiveness of certain treatments for these conditions.
MRI Defecography Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | MRI Defecography, MRI Defecogram, Pelvic floor MRI, Dynamic MRI of the rectum and anus, Anorectal dynamic MRI |
| Purpose | To visualize the function of the rectum and anus during defecation and to diagnose and evaluate related conditions such as rectal prolapse, rectocele, and incontinence. |
| Preparation | Remove any jewellery or other metal objects |
| Fasting | 6-7 hours is preferred |
| Machine Used | MRI Machine |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs. 5200 to Rs. 12000 |
Anatomy of Anorectal Region
The anorectal region is the area of the body that includes the anus and rectum. Some related anatomical structures are-
- Anus– It is the opening at the end of the digestive tract from where the faeces are expelled from the body.
- Rectum- It is the final section of the large intestine, connecting the colon to the anus. It is about 5-8 inches long and is lined with muscles that contract and relax to push the feces through the anus.
- Pelvic floor muscles- They support the organs in the pelvis and help control bowel movements.
- Pubococcygeal line (PCL)- It is a line that runs from the pubic bone to the coccyx (tailbone) and marks the boundary between the pelvic floor muscles and the perineum.
- The anorectal junction is the point where the anus and rectum meet. This is located just below the pubococcygeal line. Together, the PCL and the anorectal junction play a critical role in the functioning of the pelvic floor muscles and the control of bowel movements.
- The anorectal angle is the angle formed by the rectum and the anus. This angle is important in maintaining continence, as it helps to keep feces and gas in the rectum until they are ready to be expelled.
MRI Defecography Test Price
MRI Defecogram is a special MRI test; thus, it is available only at a few MRI scan centres. Due to its specialised nature, limited availability and requirement of an experienced doctor, it is a usually expensive test. However, the actual cost would depend on the MRI centre, city, machine and Doctor.
Price at Popular MRI Centres
Prices of MRI Defecography tests in various labs of Indian cities:-
| Name of the Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs 10800/- |
| Pulse Imaging | Rs 5250/- |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 6300/- |
| Vijaya Diagnostic Centre | Rs 10500/- |
| City X-Ray | Rs 9000/- |
| Shree Diagnostic Centre | Rs 4800/- |
| Prima Diagnostic | Rs 8000 |
| Bharat Scans | Rs 7500 |
| NM Medical | Rs 8500 |
City Wise Prices
The price range of the Defecogram test in various Indian cities:-
| Cities | Test Price |
|---|---|
| MRI Defecogram Price in Delhi | Rs 3000 – Rs 10800 |
| MRI Defecogram Price in Gurgaon | Rs 6300 – Rs 10800 |
| MRI Defecogram Price in Mumbai | Rs 3000 – Rs 6300 |
| MRI Defecogram Price in Kolkata | Rs 6300 |
| MRI Defecogram Price in Bangalore | Rs 6300 |
| MRI Defecogram Price in Hyderabad | Rs 6300 – Rs 10500 |
| MRI Defecogram Price in Chennai | Rs 5850 – Rs 6300 |
What Conditions Can MRI Defecography Diagnose?
Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed using this test include:
- Rectal prolapse: a condition in which the rectum protrudes through the anus.
- Fecal incontinence: the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional leakage of faeces.
- Obstructed defecation: difficulty passing stool due to a physical blockage in the rectum or anus.
- Anal fistulas: abnormal channels that form between the anus and the skin surrounding the anus.
- Anal fissures: small tears or cracks in the skin of the anus.
- Rectocele: a condition in which the rectum bulges into the vagina.
- Enterocele: a condition in which the small intestine bulges into the vagina.
- Pelvic floor disorders: conditions that affect the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor, which support the rectum and anus.
How Does the Equipment For MRI Defecography Look Like?
An MRI machine is a large hollow cylinder-shaped tube with a large magnet. It requires a person to lie on a table that slides into the machine’s centre. The person must lie on a table that slides into a tunnel toward the magnet’s centre.
Some common MRI systems
- Short bore system – They are designed so that the magnet does not completely surround the patient.
- Larger bore system – Some newer MRI machines have a larger diameter bore, which can be more comfortable for larger patients (obese patients) or those with claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces).
- Open MRI Unit – In an open MRI unit, two large magnets surround the patient and a removable chair that simulates a toilet is located in the space between the large vertical magnets.
How to Prepare for an MRI Defecography Test?
- Before the test, the patient may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand to ensure that the rectum and anus are empty.
- The patient may be given a laxative to help clear out their bowels.
- The patient will also be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery, that could interfere with the MRI scan.
- In order to highlight certain body parts and for better visualization, a contrast agent may be needed.
- Generally, barium paste is prepared and put in the anus. A barium enema may be done immediately before the test.
- If the doctors want to view a part of the body that may not be reached through an enema, a contrast solution may be taken orally. This must be taken many hours before the test to give it enough time to travel to the area of interest.
- In order to view the wall between the anus and vagina in females, barium paste may be applied to the vaginal wall.
MRI Defecography Procedure
The protocol for an MRI defecography test typically involves the following steps:
- The patient arrives at the imaging center and is greeted by the technologist or the doctor who will perform the test.
- The patient is asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery, that could interfere with the MRI scan.
- The patient is asked to lie on a padded table and relax as much as possible.
- Depending on the part needed to be examined, the patient is either given a contrast media orally several hours before the procedure or a barium enema.
- A rectal balloon may be inserted into the patient’s rectum to help create a better image of the rectum and anal sphincter muscles during defecation.
- The patient is asked to perform a series of defecation-like manoeuvres, such as bearing down, contracting the pelvic muscles, and pushing.
- These manoeuvres will cause the rectum and anus to move, allowing the MRI machine to take detailed images of their function. The patients may need to hold their breath for brief periods during the imaging process.
- In a traditional MRI machine, the patient may need to wear an adult diaper in order to absorb any leakage of faeces or urine during the procedure.
- The images are reviewed by a doctor, who uses them to diagnose and evaluate the condition.
- The doctor discusses the results of the test with the patient and recommends any further treatment or follow-up testing if needed.
The entire procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of images that are taken. The patient may experience some discomfort or pressure during the test, but it is generally well tolerated.
What Will Patients Experience During the Defecography Test?
During an MRI defecography, the patient will be asked to lie on a table that slides into a narrow, cylinder-shaped MRI machine. They will be given earplugs or headphones to protect their hearing from the machine’s loud noises. The patient will be asked to perform several different positions and movements, such as straining to defecate or holding their breath, while the MRI machine takes images. The patient may also be asked to swallow a contrast agent to help visualize the rectum and colon on the MRI images. During the procedure, the patient may feel a sensation of fullness or pressure in their rectum and stomach. They may also feel a slight vibration from the MRI machine.
Overall, the procedure should not be painful, but the patient may feel discomfort due to the required positioning and movements. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
What to expect after the test?
After the test, the rectal balloon and contrast agent will be removed, and the patient may be asked to empty their bowels. They will be taken to a private restroom where they can clean up. The white, chalky barium that was used during the test may be visible in the stool for the next day or so. They can return to their normal activities and diet right away.
Benefits of MRI Defecography
There are some benefits of MRI Defecography:
- Clear and Detailed Imaging: Patient defecation involves a pelvic floor, rectum, and anus, and MRI defecography fits the treatment of these organs in their working states.
- Non-Invasive and Safe: It can be performed without any pain and without exposing the patient to unpleasant radiations, so exterior application is safe.
- Accurate Diagnosis: It comes handy when diagnosing problems of rectal prolapse, chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic floor disorders.
- Functional Assessment: It is special in that on top of identifying structural anomalies, it assesses muscle function and coordination upon defecation.
- Helps in Treatment Planning: Surgeons can plan a procedure or treatment accurately on the basis of the precise images obtained.
- Detects Hidden Issues: The scan can detect small or complicated disorders that otherwise could go unnoticed.
- Monitors Recovery: MRI Defecography may be used for monitoring the efficacy of treatment and status of patients.
- Comfortable Procedure: It is generally easy and stress-free for most patients.
- Supporting Better Patient Care: Once diagnoses have been accurately imaged, clinical decisions may be made, thereby implicating an improvement in clinical outcomes.
What are the limitations of MR defecography?
Use of MR Defecography has its own limitations when it comes to the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders:
- Availability: Not every diagnostic center may provide this test, especially smaller cities.
- Cost: The procedure is more expensive than conventional defecography or x-ray based tests.
- Patient Comfort: Other than perhaps the pleasant few, some patients may be troubled or embarrassed at going through simulated bowel movements.
- Time-Consuming: The entire process may exceed the normal time allocated for standard imaging tests.
- Movement Restrictions: Since the patients must remain still in order to acquire good images, it might turn out to be really challenging.
- Not Suitable for All: Anyone with a pacemaker, certain implants, or severe claustrophobia may be ineligible for MRI.
Notwithstanding the drawbacks, MR Defecography is still one of the best dependable and most detailed tests for evaluating the pelvic floor.
Analysis of MRI Defecography Test Result
To analyze the results of an MRI defecography test, the doctor will review the images produced by the test and assess the function of the rectum and anus. The doctor will look for any structural abnormalities or abnormalities in the function of these organs, such as rectal prolapse or obstructed defecation.
The doctor may also use a grading system to evaluate the images and determine the severity of the condition. This grading system typically includes a series of categories or grades describing the function of the rectum and anus, such as normal, mild, moderate, and severe. The doctor can accurately diagnose the condition by assigning a grade to the images and recommending the appropriate treatment.
In addition to evaluating the images, the doctor may review the patient’s medical history, physical exam findings, and other relevant information to help diagnose the condition. By combining the results of the MRI defecography test with this information, the doctor can develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient.
Patients may be asked to stay in the radiology department for a short time after the test to ensure that they can defecate without any problems.
Sample Report
Here is the sample report of an MRI Defecography test results:
MRI Defecogram Sample Report.pdf is shown above.
Risks of MRI Defecography Test
There are some potential risks associated with MRI defecography. These risks include:
- Discomfort or pain: The test may cause some discomfort or pain, particularly during the insertion of the probe into the rectum. However, the procedure is generally well tolerated.
- Allergic reaction: Rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the contrast material used during the test. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Burns: In rare cases, the MRI machine may cause burns if the patient has metal implants or other metallic objects in their body.
- False results: In some cases, the test may produce false results due to technical issues with the MRI machine or the patient’s movement during the test.
Overall, the risks of MRI defecography are very low, and the test is generally considered safe.
Conclusion
Overall, the MRI defecography test is a valuable diagnostic tool that can provide important information about the functioning of the rectum and anus. It is a non-invasive procedure that is generally well-tolerated by patients and can provide detailed images of the rectum and anus without the need for radiation or other potentially harmful substances. While the test may be somewhat uncomfortable for some patients, it is generally considered safe and effective for helping to identify and diagnose various conditions affecting the rectum and anus. In conclusion, the MRI defecography test is a useful and important diagnostic tool for patients experiencing issues with their rectum and anus, and it can provide valuable information to help guide the treatment and management of these conditions.
FAQs
A. You may feel a little awkward, but the process involves no pain.
A. It usually takes 30 min to 60 mins.
It is typically recommended to undergo bowel preparation before a defecography test. This involves following a specific diet and taking laxatives to clear the colon and rectum of any faeces or gas, allowing for better visualization during the test. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider for proper bowel preparation.
X-ray defecography is a medical imaging test that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the rectum and anus during defecation. During the test, the patient is asked to evacuate their bowels into a special container while X-ray images are taken to show how the rectum and anus function during defecation.
In India, an MRI defecography scan usually costs between ₹5,200 and ₹12,000. The price depends on the center, city, and if contrast dye is used.
MRI defecography is safe and does not need surgery. Most people do not have problems, but some may feel a little discomfort, especially while holding certain positions or using contrast dye.
Results are usually ready in a few hours to one day, depending on the center. A radiologist looks at the images and sends a detailed report to your doctor.
No, MR defecography is a special MRI that looks at the pelvic floor, rectum, and anus while passing stool. A normal MRI just scans body parts that are still.
How to Book an MRI Defecography?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.