Delaney Radiologists

Fluoroscopy and Barium Studies

What are Fluoroscopy and Barium Studies?

Splenic flexure of the colon on air-contrast barium enema
Splenic flexure of the colon on air-contrast barium enema

With the aid of a contrast agent (usually barium), fluoroscopy enables a radiologist to examine internal body parts such as the stomach or large intestine and obtain spot images of various findings. Fluoroscopy is also used commonly during other procedures such as biopsies, myelography,arthrography and angiography.

What types of tests use fluoroscopy?

  • Barium Swallow (esophogram)
  • Upper GI
  • Lower GI (Barium Enema)
  • Small bowel exam
  • Myelography (spinal canal examination)
  • Hysterosalpingogram (fertility testing)

How should I prepare for this procedure?

  • Preparation varies depending on the type of test performed. Upper GI requires an empty stomach, whereas a barium enema requires a special colon prep. Your physician or Delaney Radiologists will provide you detailed instructions to you when your exam is first scheduled.
  • You should inform your doctor about any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, as well as any allergies you might have to medications.
  • Women should always inform the technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

What can I expect during this procedure?

  • Fluoroscopy itself is painless.
  • Many patients find oral barium (Upper GI) unpleasant but tolerable.
  • Many patients find the barium enema uncomfortable but tolerable. Its reputation is worse than its reality.
  • Depending on the type of fluoroscopic test you undergo you will lie down on an x-ray table equipped with what is called an image intensifier-a device that creates an image of the x-rayed body part on a TV monitor that the radiologist views.
  • You may be repositioned frequently to enable the radiologist or technologist to capture different views.

For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.

[to top]