Fluoroscopy

General Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy involves the use of x-rays in real time by a physicians as he/she watches on a TV monitor while the internal organs are being examined or accessed with the help of a contrast substance. This contrast can be air (taking fizzy tablets to put air in the stomach), contrast material (barium to see the movement of swallowing or the intestines), or water soluble substance containg iodine which is injected in blood vessels to see whether they are narrowed.

Fluoroscopy is also used by all surgeons to watch the movement of joints or to guide the placement of prostheses and needles. The radiologist uses fluoroscopy to examine the bladder, uterus, fallopian tube, and the intestine.

The interventional radiologist and cardiologist examine the blood vessels and heart. If there is vascular narrowing, they can use special instruments to dilate the narrowing under fluoroscopic guidance.

Fluoroscopy may be used to guide biopsies or remove fluid from the chest or abdomen. The gastroenterologist uses fluoroscopy to guide his/her catheter into the ducts that bring the digestive juices from the pancreas or liver to the intestines.

Where do you offer this procedure?

Midtown Medical Pavilion

How should I prepare for the procedure?

If the procedure is being done under anesthesia,sedation or if the intestines are being examined, you will be asked not to eat for 6-8 hours before. Some procedures, such as assessing the movement of joints, require no preparation.

What happens during the procedure?

You will not feel any effect from the use of x-rays during the procedure. Every physician has been taught to use the least amount of x-ray necessary to see what he/she needs to see. The use of x-ray imaging by specially trained physicians is tightly controlled . Your safety is our greatest concern.

What are the benefits of fluoroscopy?

The use of fluoroscopy has revolutionized the care of sick people by allowing treatment of many internal abscesses, and vascular and intestinal narrowings without the need for surgery. Definitive diagnoses of tumors can be made using fluoroscopic guidance for needle biopsies.

Hysterosalpingogram

Hysterosalpingography is an x-ray examination that shows the size, shape and location of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The main purpose of the examination is to determine whether the fallopian tubes, which pass the egg from the ovary to the uterus, are open. This is important when evaluating a patient’s ability to become pregnant.

Patient Preparation

You cannot undergo this exam if you are pregnant. A urine pregnancy test will be performed immediately prior to the exam. Before the exam, a physician will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. The physician will ask for the date of your last menstrual period and whether you have any allergies. It is important to list all allergies to food and medicine, as well as any history of asthma. An allergy may indicate the possibility of a reaction to the contrast agent that is used during the exam. You will put on a hospital gown, and you will need to go to the bathroom to completely empty your bladder.

During the Examination

First, you will lie on an x-ray table and then be placed in the lithotomy position, which means you will slide down to the end of the table with your knees flexed. This is the same position you are in during a pelvic examination. The physician inserts a speculum into your vagina, followed by a small catheter. A contrast agent is injected through the catheter, gradually filling your uterus and fallopian tubes. The contrast agent is a substance that helps make these organs visible on x-ray. You may experience some pressure, along with some cramping. It is important to let the physician know what you are feeling to help them make you as comfortable as possible. While the contrast agent is flowing, the physician takes radiographic images using fluoroscopy. A fluoroscope is an x-ray unit attached to a television screen. It permits the physician to watch the contrast agent fill your uterus and fallopian tubes and observe any problems or defects. Then, the speculum and catheter are removed, and you may use the lavatory and wash. You also will be given a sanitary pad to absorb any contrast agent that might be discharged.

Post-Examination Information

The contrast agent that remains in your uterus and vagina is discharged due to gravity, and your body will safely absorb any contrast left in your pelvis. Only a small amount of contrast is used during the examination, and it has no odor or color. You will experience some cramping following the exam. If it is severe or excessive, let the physician know. He or she may recommend additional medication. Your personal physician will receive a report of the findings and will advise you of the results and discuss what further procedures, if any, are needed.

Click here to print all forms