Fluoroscopy

What is Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a real time X-ray imaging study usually accompanied with contrast (i.e. dye) to assess the internal organs.

Fluoroscopy can be used in special studies to assess the gastro-intestinal tract, and whether a patient is able to swallow safely without breathing in food particles and checking for any leakages after some surgical procedures.
 

Is Fluoroscopy Safe?

Fluoroscopy is carried out in a controlled environment, where the dosage of radiation is monitored at all times. Patients who are pregnant must inform the doctor and the radiographer before any fluoroscopic examination to avoid risks to the unborn baby.
 

Examples of Fluoroscopy

• Barium meals are used to check for any abnormalities in the stomach
• Video fluoroscopic studies done with speech therapists can determine the types of food that are safe for patients to eat without entering their windpipe, especially for elderly patients
• Retrograde urethrograms are useful for checking for any narrowing in the urethra for male patients