Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to capture an image of an organ while it is functioning. Though still X-ray images can be useful in examining the colon and rectum, dynamic fluoroscopy is often the most effective way to view abnormal or blocked movement of waste through the body's lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It includes both lower and upper Gis.
A lower GI is an X-ray evaluation of the large intestine, also known as the colon. This includes the right or ascending colon, the transverse colon, the left or descending colon and the rectum. The appendix may be seen if it is present and a portion of the small intestine may be visualized as well Radiological images are created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the body and capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on film
An upper GI is an X-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. However, in order for the anatomy to show up on radiographic images, the upper gastrointestinal tract must be coated or filled with a contrast material called barium, an element that appears bright white on radiographs. The barium is given to the patient to drink. Additionally, some patients are asked to swallow baking-soda crystals to create gas and further improve the images; this procedure has the modified name of air-contrast or double-contrast upper GI.
An Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder. An IVP study uses a contrast material to enhance the x-ray images. The contrast material is injected into the patient's system, and its progress through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of quickly captured images. The exam enables the radiologist to review the anatomy and the function of the kidneys and urinary tract.
We offer the following Fluoroscopy and IVP procedures:
- UGI Series
- Small Bowel and UGI
- Barium Enema
- Small Bowel Study Only
- Esophogram
- Hysterosalpingogram
- Cholangiogram
- T-tube Cholangiogram
- Tomogram
- Operative Cholangiogram
- ERCP
- IVP
- Cystogram
- IVP with Tomograms
- Retrograde Pyelogram
- Loopogram
- Video Swallowing