FLUOROSCOPY

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses x-rays to obtain real-time images of internal organs. A fluoroscope consists of an x-ray source and a fluorescent screen between which the patient is placed. However, modern fluoroscopes couple the screen to an x-ray image intensifier and CCD video camera allowing the image to be recorded and displayed on a monitor.

Fluoroscopy can be used to examine the digestive system using a substance known as contrast media which is opaque to x-ray and is introduced into the digestive system either by an enema or by swallowing. Barium sulfate coats the walls of the digestive tract, which allows the shape of the digestive tract to be outlined as white or clear on an x-ray. Air may then be introduced, which looks black on x-ray film. The barium meal is an example of a contrast agent swallowed to examine the upper GI tract.

                                                                    Fluoroscopy

Investigations of GI tract

 Different investigations usually show different indications. In general, the following x-ray imaging techniques are usually done to view the anatomy, pathology, and morphology of different organs in the GI tract.

Barium swallow Barium meal

Barium meals follow through (BMFT) Hypotonic duodenography Enteroclysis

Barium enema 

Loopogram 

Gastrografin enema 

Sialography