Fluoroscopy
Vancouver Radiologists, P.C., offers a complete range of digital fluoroscopy services for our patients.
Fluoroscopy is a form of "live x-ray" that enables a radiologist to take images of the body organs via x-ray, utilizing a contrast agent (also known as a "contrast medium"). The contrast agent increases the visibility of the bodily organs or a specific area of concern, as a radiologist watches on a television screen. Contrast agents may be introduced to the body through injections, swallowing, or in select cases, an enema.
Types of Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy includes many different types of studies.
- Esophogram – an x-ray study of the throat.
- Upper GI series – a study of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first portion of small intestine)
- Small Bowel Series – a study of the stomach and entire small intestine
- Barium Enema – a study of the colon
- Hystersalpingogram – a study of the uterus and fallopian tubes
- Intravenous Pyelography – a study of the kidneys, ureters, and the urinary bladder
- Voiding Cystourethregram – a study of the bladder and outlet (urethra)
- Arthrogram – a study of the shoulder and
knee joint showing ligament and meniscal tears.
After Fluoroscopy
Each exam may consist of a series of x-ray images. A Radiologist will review and interpret the patient's fluoroscopy images and send a report to the patient's clinician. The clinician will discuss the fluoroscopy results with the patient.
Prepping for a Fluoroscopy Procedure
- Upper GI Series: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the exam. No smoking or gum chewing 2 hours before the exam.
- Small Bowel Series: Follow a clear liquid diet the day before the exam. Take 4 Biscodyl (laxative) tablets at 4pm on the day before the exam. You may pick up the Biscodyl tablets at any local pharmacy, or at either of our clinic locations. Nothing to eat or drink after 6pm the evening before the exam. No smoking or gum chewing 2 hours before the exam.
- Upper GI w/ Small Bowel Series: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the exam. Take 4 Biscodyl (laxative) tablets at 4pm on the day before the exam. You may pick up the Biscodyl tablets at any local pharmacy, or at either of our clinic locations. Nothing to eat or drink after 6pm the evening before the exam. No smoking or gum chewing 2 hours before the exam.
- Barium Enema: Please pick up the exam prep and instructions two days prior to the exam at either of our clinic locations.
- Hysterosalpingograms: Exam should be scheduled between the 9th and 12th day of your menstrual cycle, with no active bleeding and no current infections.
- IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram): Follow a clear liquid diet the day before the exam. Take 4 Biscodyl (laxative) tablets at 4pm on the day before the exam. You may pick up the Biscodyl tablets at any local pharmacy, or at either of our clinic locations. Nothing to drink after 6pm the evening before the exam. You may drink up to 8oz of clear fluid the morning of your exam.
- Please let us know if there is any chance that you may be pregnant. We may need to reschedule your appointment.
Other Helpful Sites
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.
