Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays to evaluate how internal organs move in real time.

During the examination:

• A continuous X-ray beam passes through the area being examined.
• The images appear on a monitor, providing a detailed, video-like view of how a body part moves and functions.
• It is often done while a contrast dye moves through the part of the body being examined.

This helps doctors and advanced practitioners identify problems and in the case of interventional radiology go on to treat them during the same examination

Everyone in the department was really caring and concerned for my well being. Excellent communication and super kind.

Fluoroscopy Patient, The James Cook University Hospital

Most fluoroscopy procedures are carried out as outpatient procedures while the patient is awake. You may be asked to stand up, sit down or lie down during your procedure. Some of the procedures are listed here:

• Arthrograms – looking at joint spaces, you will have an MRI scan afterwards.
• Joint injections – looking at joint spaces and injecting medicines to help with the joint pain
• Barium swallows – looking at the oesophagus and stomach
• Videofluoroscopy – a more detailed look at the swallowing process involving speech and language therapists
• Barium follow through – looking at the small bowel
• Water soluble enema – looking at the large bowel
• Cystograms – assessing how the bladder works
• Urethrograms – looking at the tube from the bladder
• Linograms – helps visulise any problem with lines used for chemotherapy/dialysis
• Dacrocystograms – looking at the tear ducts
• Nephrostomy – an interventional procedure used to treat an acute kidney problem
• Nephrostomy drain changes/ Ileal conduits – to renew long term nephrostomy’s
• Proctograms – looking at the mechanics of the pelvic floor and muscles required to go to the toilet
• Urodynamics – looking at the mechanics of the pelvic floor and muscles required to urinate involving the Urology team
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) – helping to visualise any problems that may cause infertility 
• Diaphragmatic screening – to visualise the working of the diaphragm muscle

I felt respected, important and cared for. As a potentially frightening experience, the team made it easy and actually not unpleasant. Thank you.

Fluoroscopy patient, Friarage Hospital