Fluoroscopy
What is Fluoroscopy?
A Fluoroscopy exam is used to view and assess the anatomy and function of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and the duodenum, while in motion. This exam requires the patient to drink liquid called barium to coat the gastrointestinal tract prior to the exam.
In addition to drinking barium, some patients are also given baking-soda crystals to further improve the images. This procedure is called an air-contrast or double-contrast upper GI. An X-ray examination that evaluates only the pharynx and esophagus is called a barium swallow.
How does it work?
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous X-ray beam to create a sequence of images that are projected onto a fluorescent screen similar to a monitor. This special X-ray technique makes it possible for the Radiologist to view internal organs in motion because the contrast material clearly defines the area being examined by making it appear bright white. As the exam proceeds, images of the organ are taken and stored either on film or electronically on a computer. These stored images are easily accessible and are sometimes compared to current X-ray images for diagnosis and disease management.
Why would you need this exam?
An upper GI examination using Fluoroscopy helps your doctor evaluate digestive function and detect health problems such as ulcers or tumors and inflammation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The test also shows hiatal hernias, blockages, and in some cases, scarring of the internal organs being examined.
Your doctor may prescribe this procedure to help diagnose symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained vomiting, sever indigestion or acid reflux. If you have severe indigestion or blood in your stool, a Fluoroscopy exam can help your doctor diagnose the cause and prescribe treatment.
Pre-exam instructions for a Fluoroscopy exam
Your physician will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your upper GI. To ensure the best possible image quality, your stomach must be empty of food. Therefore, you will likely be asked not to eat or drink anything (including any medications taken by mouth, especially antacids) and to refrain from chewing gum and smoking after midnight on the day of the examination. On the night before the test, you may be asked to take a laxative to help clean out your intestines.
You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the X-ray images.
You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies, especially to contrast material. Also inform your doctor about recent illnesses, other medical conditions or if you are pregnant.
To schedule your Fluoroscopy exam, please call us at (707) 525-4040. If you need to cancel, please call us 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam time.
The day of your exam
On the day of your exam, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Please be ready to present your insurance information when you check in. Once you have registered, our technologist will escort you to an exam room.
You will be asked to drink the liquid barium, which resembles a light-colored milkshake and lie down on the exam table. The technologist will watch the barium pass through your digestive tract using the fluoroscope. The exam table will be positioned at different angles and your abdomen may be compressed to help spread the barium. Once the upper gastrointestinal tract is adequately coated with the barium, still X-ray images will be taken and stored for review by our Radiologist. For a double-contrast upper GI, you will swallow baking-soda crystals that create gas in the stomach while additional X-rays are taken.
During the exam you must hold very still. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. When you are in the proper position and the machine is ready, the technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the X-ray machine to take an image.
When the examination is complete, we will ask you to wait until the technologist determines that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read.
This exam is usually completed within 20 minutes.
After your exam
After the examination, you can resume a regular diet and take orally administered medications unless told otherwise by your doctor.
Your scan will be evaluated by our Radiologists with a report sent promptly to your referring physician, who will be able to review the results with you.
Fluoroscopy side effects
The color of your stools may turn gray or white for a day or two after the procedure. This is a normal condition as your body passes the barium. Sometimes the barium can cause temporary constipation. We suggest you use an over-the-counter laxative if you experience signs of constipation. Drinking large quantities of fluids for several days following the test can also help clear your digestive system. If you are unable to have a bowel movement or if your bowel habits undergo any significant changes following the exam, you should contact your doctor.