Fluoroscopy

AVAILABLE AT: Mediclinic Bloemfontein

Fluoroscopy is a low dose X-ray procedure that produces real-time pictures on a screen instead of taking still individual pictures (an X-ray movie). This allows the radiologist to observe how an organ performs its normal function (e.g., how the oesophagus works during swallowing).

Fluoroscopy investigations are most commonly used to evaluate the gastrointestinal (oesophagus, stomach, small and large bowel) and genitourinary (uterus, fallopian tubes, kidneys, bladder and urethra) tracts. It is also used to guide minimally invasive interventional procedures.

Either barium or iodinated contrast media is used to visualize the organs during an examination. The contrast media coats the internal lining of the organs, allowing us to see their walls. Without contrast media these organs would barely be visible on X-ray imaging.

Women who are pregnant must alert their doctor and the radiographer if they are being scheduled for a screening examination. 

If you have a history of allergies or previous reactions to iodinated contrast, please inform your doctor and the radiographer before having a screening examination.