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Understanding Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a technique for continuous or intermittent
x-ray monitoring. X-ray images may be viewed directly without taking
and developing x-ray photographs. This allows observation of certain
dynamic body processes and is useful in certain surgical and diagnostic
procedures. The radiologist moves the screen up and down the patient's
body and observes what is happening within selected parts of the body.
Fluoroscopy is especially useful for identifying the presence of restricted
or blocked passages in the hollow organs of the body
Why Fluoroscopy?
The upper GI series
accounts for 42 percent of all fluoroscopy procedures. Other examples
of fluoroscopic examinations include lower gastrointestinal series,
oral cholecystograms, cystourethrograms, fistulograms, and retrograde
ileograms. Whereas conventional x-rays can identify a structural flaw
in the esophagus, fluoroscopy reveals malfunction, such as a spasm that
might cause the lump-in-the-throat sensation, or poor peristalsis (waves
of muscle contraction) that stalls food. Fluoroscopy is especially useful
for identifying the presence of restricted or blocked passages in the
hollow organs of the body.
.Barium Enema
A barium enema is an x-ray test to obtain pictures of your
colon (the last part of the abdomen, sometimes called the large intestine
or large bowel.) A barium enema is used to look for problems in the
colon such as polyps, inflammation (colitis), narrowing of the colon,
tumors, and diverticula.
Because the intestines do not show up very well on ordinary x-ray pictures,
a barium liquid is administered via the rectum, allowing the outline
of the intestines to show up clearly on an x-ray image. Barium is a
soft white metal. A compound of barium called barium sulphate dissolves
in water to form a thick white liquid which can be used as an enema.
Barium Swallow
The videofluroscopic barium swallow is the best procedure
to demonstrate the swallowing mechanism. It demonstrates oral cavity,
pharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal anatomy; it can also document
oral motor dysfunction, pharyngeal incoordination, nasopharyngeal reflux,
laryngeal penetration or aspiration, GER, and hiatal hernia.
Small Bowel Series – X-rays of the small intestine
taken as barium liquid passes through the organ. Also called small bowel
follow-through.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Intravenous means the injection is given into a vein. Pyelogram
refers to the images produced of the internal structure of the kidneys,
the collecting systems, and the tubes leading from the kidneys to the
bladder, the ureters. The kidneys do not show up well on an ordinary
X-ray of the abdomen. It may be possible to see the shape of each kidney,
and it will probably be possible to see if any stones are present. However,
there is no detail of the internal structure and it is not possible
to say how well the kidneys might be working. With an injection of a
special dye (called contrast medium), the kidneys show up much better.
There is greater detail of their internal structure. It is also possible
to assess roughly how well each kidney is working.
Please Note
Radiation during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Always
tell your radiologist or physician if you suspect you may be pregnant
before undergoing an x-ray procedure.
Results of Your Test
A Midtown Board Certified Radiologist specializing in Fluoroscopy
interpretation will report the results of this test by telephone, fax,
or mail to the referring physician promptly.
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