General description

Fluoroscopy is a technology that allows radiologists to visualize and to evaluate the function of certain internal structures in the body. Radiologists are able to view structures in real time on a digital monitor as “live” images are produced with a continuous beam of X-rays. Fluoroscopy has a wide variety of uses. A very common application is in the evaluation of the intestinal tract.

With the use of contrast materials such as barium, radiologists are able to evaluate the function and are able to look for diseases in organs like the stomach and the bowel. Fluoroscopy is routinely used to evaluate swallowing. In this procedure, patients are asked to swallow different foods and liquids with barium under x-ray and live images are recorded to look for swallowing disorders.

Fluoroscopy is also used in certain procedures to such as arthrography, where a needle is inserted into a joint and contrast is injected for evaluation. Other procedures where fluoroscopy is used include lumbar puncture, where a needle is inserted into the spine to collect fluid for diagnosis, to inject contrast material for imaging or to deliver certain medications.

Studies

Gastrointestinal radiology 

• Esophagoraphy
• Upper GI series
• Small bowel series
• Barium enema
• Defecography
• Enteroclysis
• Fistulography
• Enterostomy tube placement
• Post-operative evaluation
• Video swallowing studies

Genitourinary radiology

• Voiding cystourethrography
• Retrograde urethrography

Musculoskeletal radiology

• Arthrography

Neuroradiology

• Myelography
• Intrathecal injection of chemotherapeutic agents
• Lumbar puncture

Angiography

• Central line evaluation

Thoracic radiology

• Chest for diaphragmatic motion