|
Overview
|
A Fluoroscopy scanner uses an X-ray beam, passed through the body to create an X-ray 'movie.' The images are captured and viewed on a fluoroscope, which looks like a small television. Unlike a traditional X-ray that produces a single image, fluoroscopy studies produce real-time video of the anatomy and how it moves.
In addition to skeletal images, fluoroscopy is used to look at the digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems.
You can review information specific to your scan by selecting from the 'study type' menu in the left column.
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Philips EasyDiagnost Eleva Fluoroscopy System
|
|
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam time.
- IMPORTANT: Click on this link to see "Patient Prep Instructions for Fluoroscopy Colon Exam" document: Colon Prep Kit.
- You will be asked to change into the Center's gowns for your procedure.
For your safetey, please notify our scheduling department and technologists:
- If you are on a sodium-restricted diet. If so, please speak with your physician prior to your study.
- If you are a diabetic.
- If you believe you may be pregnant.
- About your symptoms.
- If you have had any previous surgery in the abdomen.
- If you have had a recent colonsocopy and if polyps were removed.
- The findings of your colonoscopy.
- If you have had anything to drink or eat before the test.
- If you are passing only liquids the day of the exam.
|
|
During your visit, a patient advocate will show you to the changing area and can assist you if necessary. Our changing rooms offer secure lockers, but we encourage patients to leave valuables at home. Once changed, our patient advocate will guide you to a waiting area where you will find a selection of magazines and newspapers.
Our Radiology Practioner Assistant (RPA) and technologists are specially trained and certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists. During your study, barium will be introduced into your colon via an enema tip inserted into your rectum. A small balloon on the enema tip will be inflated to help prevent you from moving your bowels. You will feel like you need to go to the bathroom. You will be asked to shift your position and hold your breath a few times while the X-rays are taken. During the imaging process, pressure may be applied to your stomach; this helps to get the best images. Air may also be added to the enema to enhance the images.
The RPA and technologist wear lead aprons during the procedure. They will step out of the exam room for the set of x-rays taken after the fluoroscopy ends. At the end of the study, you will be able to go to the bathroom.
|
|
- A sub-specialized radiologist will interpret your images and prepare a diagnostic report for you and your physician.
- Results are usually made available to your physician in two or three days. If outside comparison studies are required, it may take longer for your results to be made available.
- Your physician will determine how the radiologist's report can be used to develop a treatment plan and speak with you about your results.
|
|
A physician may order a lower GI examination to detect:
- ulcers
- benign tumors (such as polyps)
- cancer
- signs of other intestinal illnesses
The procedure is frequently performed to help diagnose symptoms such as:
- chronic diarrhea
- blood in stools
- constipation
- irritable bowel syndrome
- unexplained weight loss
- a change in bowel habits
- suspected blood loss
Images of the bowel and colon are also used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, a group of disorders that includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
|
|
|
|
