What is Fluoroscopy?

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

Fluoroscopy can be used in special studies to assess for large bowel and stomach tumours, whether a patient is able to swallow safely without breathing in food particles and checking for any leakages after some types of operations.

Is Fluoroscopy Safe?

There is radiation involved as x-rays are used, but all within a controlled environment, where the dosage of radiation is monitored at all times. Since radiation is involved, pregnant patients must inform the doctor and the radiographer before any fluoroscopic examination to avoid risks to the unborn baby.

Examples of Fluoroscopy:

• Barium enemas are used to check for any growths or narrowing in the large bowel.
• Video fluoroscopic studies done with the speech therapists can assess the type of foods that are safe for patients to eat without entering the wind pipe, especially for elderly patients.
• Retrograde urethrograms are useful to check for any narrowing in the urethra for male patients.