Fluoroscopy is medical imaging that shows a continuous series of x-ray images on a monitor. Like a radiography, an x-ray beam is emitted through the body during the fluoroscopy procedure and transmitted onto a monitor to see the movement of an organ, an instrument, or contrast agent through the body. Fluoroscopy makes it possible for radiologists to visualize internal organs in motion. It is often utilized to visualize the gastrointestinal tract, uterus and fallopian tubes, kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder, and joints. This exam can aide in evaluating digestive function and visualizing ulcers, tumors, hernias, scarring, blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, or other abnormalities in the GI tract. It can also help to diagnose causes of symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, reflux, unexplained vomiting, severe indigestion, blood in the stool, chronic diarrhea, change in bowel function, and abdominal pain. Fluoroscopies can also assist in evaluating problems related to the urinary tract and female reproductive organs.
Arthrogram is medical imaging
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder is taken with injection of iodinated contrast material into the veins. It can help radiologists examine problems with the urinary tract related to kidney stones, enlarged prostate, tumors, surgeries, and other congenital anomalies.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes by way of fluoroscopy and contrast material. During an HSG, the uterus and fallopian tubes are filled with water-soluble contrast media to assess their anatomy and function, which may include shape and structure of the uterus, uterine fibroids, tumor or mass, openness of the fallopian tube(s), and adhesions or scarring in the uterine and abdominal cavity. This exam is commonly used to aide in examining women who have difficulty becoming pregnant. It may also aide in determining effects of tubal surgery including blockages, scarring, infection, or re-openings of the fallopian tubes.
Fluoroscopy imaging that includes the esophagus, stomach, and parts of the small bowel are performed with ingestion of contrast material such as barium. Other agents that may be utilized include baking-soda crystals that are added to provide an air-contrast or double-contrast. For a better imaging, the stomach should be empty of food, so you may be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the exam.
Barium Enema, imaging of the large intestines (or colon), evaluates the right/ascending colon, transverse colon, left/descending colon, sigmoid colon, and the rectum. Part of the small intestine and appendix may also be included. You may be asked to not eat the day before the exam and only drink clear liquids such as tea, broth, and juice, and to avoid dairy. After midnight, you will be asked to not eat or drink anything. A laxative (in pill or liquid form) and/or over-the-counter enema may also be recommended the night before the exam or few hours before the exam. These preparations are to help ensure your colon is empty for the procedure.
IVPs are taken with injection of contrast media into a vein in the patient’s arm. The dye travels through the bloodstream and collects in the kidneys and urinary tract, which turns these areas white on the x-rays. The day before the exam, patient will be asked to be on a liquid diet (i.e. soup without meat, juice, soda, water, congee or porridge). No dairy products. The day before the exam, patients will also need to take a laxative in the afternoon. On the day of the exam, patients will be asked to fast, but water is accepted. Patients may resume regular diet after the exam.
With all exams involving the use of radiography, you may be asked to remove some or all of your clothing and be asked to wear a gown. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, dental appliances, eye glasses, and any metal object that may interfere was the imaging.
It is important to inform physicians and x-ray technicians if a woman believe she is or may be pregnant. Some medical imaging are not performed during pregnancy to reduce exposure of radiation to the fetus. If an x-ray is needed, precautions are taken to minimize the exposure to the baby.
Hysterosalpinograms are usually scheduled one week after menstruation but before ovulation to ensure patient is not pregnant during the exam. The exam is contraindicated in patients with active inflammatory conditions. It is important to inform physicians and x-ray technicians if a woman believes she is or may have pelvic infection or untreated sexually transmitted disease at the time of procedure, Prior to the exam, you may be asked to take a laxative or enema to prep the bowels, allowing for clearer imaging of surrounding structures during the exam. You may also be given a mild sedative to minimize any discomfort. It is important to inform physicians and x-ray technicians if a woman believe she is or may be pregnant.
** Please consult with your physician and/or radiologist for detailed instructions or any concerns regarding on how to prepare for your fluoroscopy, current and/or past allergies, and other recent illnesses or medical conditions before the examination.