
Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures — similar to an x-ray "movie." A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.
Fluoroscopy, as an imaging tool, enables physicians to look at many body systems, including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Fluoroscopy may be performed to evaluate specific areas of the body, including the bones, muscles, and joints, as well as solid organs such as the heart, lung, or kidneys.
Fluoroscopy is used in many types of examinations and procedures, such as barium x-rays, cardiac catheterization, arthrography (visualization of a joint or joints), lumbar puncture, placement of intravenous (IV) catheters (hollow tubes inserted into veins or arteries), intravenous pyelogram, hysterosalpingogram, and biopsies.
Fluoroscopy may be used alone as a diagnostic procedure, or may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic or therapeutic media or procedures.
In barium x-rays, fluoroscopy used alone allows the physician to see the movement of the intestines as the barium moves through them. In cardiac catheterization, fluoroscopy is added to enable the physician to see the flow of blood through the coronary arteries in order to evaluate the presence of arterial blockages. For intravenous catheter insertion, fluoroscopy assists the physician in guiding the catheter into a specific location inside the body.
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If you have seen a Weill Cornell Medicine doctor and have been referred for an imaging exam, you may receive a notification in Connect or an email from us prompting you to schedule your appointment online.
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What are barium x-rays?
The use of barium with standard x-rays contributes to the visibility of various characteristics of the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Barium is a dry, white, chalky, metallic powder that is mixed with water to make barium liquid. Barium is an x-ray absorber and appears white on x-ray film. When administered into the GI tract, barium coats the inside wall of the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, and/or small intestine so that the inside wall lining, size, shape, contour, and patency (openness) are visible on x-ray. This process shows differences that might not be seen on standard x-rays. Barium is used only for diagnostic studies of the GI tract. As an alternate to barium, a clear watery dye may be used in certain situations.
Fluoroscopy is often used during a barium x-ray. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures - similar to an x-ray “movie.” A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. In a barium x-ray, fluoroscopy allows the radiologist to see the movement of the barium through the GI tract as it is administered through the mouth or the rectum.
Why are barium x-rays performed?
Reasons for performing barium x-ray procedures may include the following:
Additional procedures are often performed in conjunction with or as a result of barium x-rays. These procedures may include endoscopic examinations (an endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a body cavity and, using fiber optic technology, provides direct visualization of the inside of the cavity), computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and intra-cavity ultrasound.
What are the different types of barium x-ray procedures?
There are three types of barium x-ray procedures, including the following:
What is a barium enema?
A barium enema involves filling the large intestine with diluted barium liquid while x-ray images are being taken. Barium enemas are used to diagnose disorders of the large intestine, colon, and rectum. These disorders may include colonic tumors, polyps, diverticula, and anatomical abnormalities.
How is a barium enema performed?
Usually, a barium enema can be performed on an outpatient basis. The patient may be asked to do the following in preparation for a barium enema:
These measures are done to empty the large intestine, as any residue (feces) can obscure the image. However, a barium enema may be done without preparation, for example, to diagnose Hirschsprung's disease.
Barium enemas are performed in two ways:
Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, a barium enema procedure follows this process:
What is a barium small-bowel enema?
A barium small-bowel enema is also called enteroclysis. The procedure involves filling the small intestine with barium liquid while x-ray images are being taken. Barium small-bowel enemas are used to diagnose disorders of the stomach and small intestine, such as ulcers and tumors.
How is a barium small-bowel enema performed?
Usually, a barium small-bowel enema can be performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight on the night before the examination. An enema or laxative may be given on the day before the test to clear feces from the bowel.
Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, a barium small-bowel procedure follows this process:
What is a barium swallow?
A barium swallow, also called an upper GI series, is an examination of the esophagus and stomach using barium to coat the walls of the upper digestive tract so that it may be examined under x-ray. Barium swallows are used to identify any abnormalities such as tumors, ulcers, hernias, pouches, strictures, and swallowing difficulties.
How is a barium swallow performed?
Usually, a barium swallow can be performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may be advised not to eat or drink after midnight on the night before the examination.
Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, a barium swallow procedure follows this process:
An upper gastrointestinal study with a small bowel follow-through is another type of barium study that may be used to evaluate certain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic/recurrent abdominal pain, and vomiting.
If you received IV or oral contrast during your exam, you will be instructed to drink 10 glasses of fluids within 24 hours to help flush the contrast out of your system.
You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.
While uncommon, if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, please contact us at (646) 962-7057.
Once the technologist has taken your images, a radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time. Our specialties include:
Abdominal
Breast
Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
Molecular
Musculoskeletal
Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
Pediatrics
Your report will be automatically share with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.
All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.
Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have.
If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.
For more information or to contact a RRC, visit this link.