MRI

BEFORE THE SCAN

Preparing for a prostate MRI is a relatively simple process. Here’s an explanation of the typical preparation steps:

What to Bring:

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card

Bowel preparation for a prostate MRI is typically not as intensive as it is for other procedures like a colonoscopy, but it is still essential to ensure clear and accurate imaging. One of our expert staff will contact you 2-3 days prior to your appointment to discuss your preparation and answer any questions you may have.

The goal is to minimise any potential interference from movement, stool, or gas in the bowels, allowing for a better view of the prostate.

Before your scan, you will be given some forms to fill out, including a brief medical history, details of previous imaging and treatment and a checklist about any metal you may have in your body, including:

1. Heart valves
2. Orthodontic braces
3. Artificial joints
4. Screws, rods
5. Surgical clips
6. Vascular stents (including Coronary / AAA)
7. Dental implants
   
   

These implants typically do not present a safety risk. However, if they are close to the area being scanned, they may affect image quality. We will discuss any issues on the day of your MRI scan.

On the other hand, the following devices or foreign bodies require careful investigation, and you must tell us if you have:

1. Retained Metal fragment in the eye (e.g., from welding / grinding)
2. Pacemaker / Defibrillator (ICD)
3. Glucose Monitor
4. Shrapnel
5. Neurostimulator
6. Aneurysm Clip
7. Pain management / Insulin Pump
8. Cochlear Implant
9. Middle ear prosthesis
10. Programmable VP Shunt
11. Other implanted metal

Here are general guidelines for bowel preparation for a prostate MRI:

Dietary Restrictions: A day or two before your MRI, you may be asked to follow a low-residue diet. This means you should avoid high-fibre foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Stick to easily digestible, low-fibre foods like white rice, plain pasta, and lean protein.

Laxatives or Stool Softeners: We might recommend taking a mild laxative or stool softener the night before or on the morning of the MRI to help empty your bowels. Follow their instructions carefully.

Fasting: You’ll typically be asked to fast for several hours before the MRI. This ensures that your stomach and intestines are as empty as possible.

Hydration: It’s usually okay to drink clear liquids (like water or clear juices) up until a few hours before the MRI. Staying hydrated is important but avoid coloured or carbonated drinks.

Medications: Continue taking any prescribed medications unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Emptying Your Bladder and bowels: Before the MRI, you might be asked to empty your bladder and bowels to ensure they don’t interfere with the imaging of the prostate.  You may also be given an injection (Buscopan) before the scan to minimise bowel motion.

Remember, bowel preparation for a prostate MRI is generally less intense than for procedures like a colonoscopy, but it’s still important for obtaining clear and accurate images.

Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing without any metal, such as zippers, buttons, or snaps. Metal objects can interfere with the MRI machine, so it’s best to wear clothing without them. You might be asked to change into a hospital gown if what you’re wearing has any metal.

Jewellery and Accessories: Leave any jewellery, watches, or accessories containing metal at home. You’ll be asked to remove them before the MRI.

Allergies: If you have any known allergies, especially to contrast dye used in MRIs (Gadolinium), make sure to inform us and your doctor. This is important as they may need to take precautions or use a different type of contrast dye.

Relaxation: Some people might feel anxious about undergoing an MRI. If you’re nervous, talk to our team. They can often provide headphones or music to help you relax during the procedure.

DURING YOUR SCAN

1. You’ll be asked to lie down on a table that slides into the MRI machine. Our MRI Radiographer will position you appropriately as comfortable as possible.  A blanket-like apparatus (Air-Coil) may be placed over your body. 
2. During the MRI, you need to stay very still short intervals and able to relax a little in between (our MRI radiographer will tell you when).
3. The machine can be a bit noisy, making clicking and knocking sounds, but you’ll be given earplugs or headphones to make it more comfortable if you’d like.
4. Our expert MRI Radiographer will be able to see and hear you at all times and give you easy to follow instructions during the scan as needed.
5. You scan may require the use of contrast (Gadolinium dye).  Serious reactions to the contrast (dye) are rare and we are trained in responding to them.
6. A prostate MRI typically take about 20 minutes to 40 minutes. 

AFTER YOUR SCAN

The Medical Imaging Technologist will check your scans for movement and quality.

Ïf all of the images are diagnostic, you will be allowed to leave.

The images will then be available to our specialist oncology radiologists to review and a report will be sent to your doctor typically within 24 hours or sooner if urgent.