Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope consists of an x-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed.

Types of Fluoroscopy studies:

  • Barium Swallow, Barium Meal, follow through and Barium Enema
  • Watersoluble swallows and enemas
  • Gastric emptying
  • Cholangiograms, cholecystogram
  • Herniograms
  • Hysterosalpingogram
  • Sialograms, urethrograms
  • Dacrocystograms
  • Sinograms, pouchograms,cystograms and fistulograms
    Videoswallows
  • Intravenous urograms

Barium Swallow is a fluoroscopic examination of the pharynx and esophagus only.

In a Barium Meal Examination, barium is ingested and x-rays used to obtain images of  the stomach and duodenum

Barium follow through studies are used to image the small bowel.In all the above examinations the patient will be requested to drink flavoured barium based drinks followed by imaging.

In a Barium Enema exam, an x-ray film is taken to ensure the bowel is clean. The radiologist or a specially trained radiographer will then insert a small tube into the rectum and begin to pump a mixture of barium and water into the colon. Air is also be injected through the tube to help the barium thoroughly coat the lining of the colon. Next, a series of x-ray images is taken. After the examination, you may  resume a regular diet and take orally administered medications unless told otherwise by your doctor. You will be encouraged to drink additional water for 24 hours after the examination.

Sinuses, fistulae can be further studies prior to surgery or other intervention by inserting small amounts of contrast.
HSG is a test performed during investigations into causes of infertility in women.Small amounts of contrast material is inserted into the uterus and the cavity can be studied.This examination is usually performed with antibiotic and analgesic cover.

Safety Information
You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies, especially to iodinated contrast materials. Also inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
Women should always inform their physician, if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

You may be asked to refrain from eating, drinking, using chewing gum, and/or smoking to ensure that the stomach remains empty, and clear images obtained of the pharynx/esophagus/stomach/intestines.

Sites providing Fluoroscopy:

  • Dorchester Radiology Department

Timings:
9am to 5pm
Out of hours services are provided for emergency patients being referred from the wards and casualty.

Appointments:
Please call 01305 254428 for enquiries and to change appointments if necessary.Appointments are usually made in approximately 4 weeks time for routine cases from the time of receipt of the request from the clinicians.

Results:
We will not be able to provide immediate results to the patients as the images will have to reconstructed and reviewed by the radiologists prior to formulating a report which is then sent on to the clinicians.You are requested to contact your referring clinician for the results in 10 days time unless you have been given any other specific instructions.

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