Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed. Fluoroscopy is often used to observe the digestive tract (upper GI series- barium swallow, lower GI series-barium enema or BE).
Why your doctor may order an upper GI series:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe indigestion
- Rectal bleeding
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in your stools
- An upper GI series can detect
- An ulcer or blockage
- Abnormal growth or tumor
- Crohn’s Disease
- GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Hiatal hernia
- Inflammation of the stomach or small intestine
Barium enema:
Barium is a liquid contrast agent inserted into the rectum. This enables the radiologist to look at the colon lining to detect any problems, such as polyps. A barium enema remains the standard for diagnosing diseases of the colon.