Fluoroscopy is a form of X-ray that allows us to see the deep structures of the body in real time

 

  Digital fluoroscopy is an x-ray technique that is used to investigate cells and the deep structure of the body. Some digital fluoroscopy procedures may require the patient to drink a safe liquid known as barium. The technique is commonly used to examine the internal organs involved in swallowing and digestion. Other tests may require digital fluoroscopy; your provider will be the best judge of which tests are necessary for you.

  A digital fluoroscopy system is a type of medical imaging system that, like an X-ray film, displays a continuous X-ray image on a monitor. An X-ray beam is passed through the body during a fluoroscopy procedure. The image is sent to a monitor, in which the movement of a body part, device, or contrast agent ("X-ray dye") through the body can be seen in great detail.

  Fluoroscopy is used to aid in disease diagnosis and to guide physicians during certain treatment procedures. Some fluoroscopy procedures, such as an upper gastrointestinal series to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine or a barium enema to examine the colon, can be performed while the patient is awake as outpatient procedures.

  Other procedures, such as cardiac catheterization to examine the heart and the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, are usually done as same-day hospital procedures or as inpatient procedures, usually while the patient is sedated. Other fluoroscopy procedures, such as assisting in the alignment and repair of fractured bones, may be performed during surgery while under general anesthesia.

  Fluoroscopy, like other X-ray procedures, is not without risk. The patient's radiation dose varies depending on the procedure. Fluoroscopy can result in substantially high levels of radiation doses, particularly during complex interventional procedures that necessitate the use of fluoroscopy for an extended period of time (such as stent placement).

  The chances of experiencing these effects as a result of a fluoroscopic procedure are statistically very low. As a result, if the procedure is medically necessary, the risks of radiation outweigh the benefits to the patient. In fact, the radiation risk is typically much lower than other non-radiation risks, such as anesthesia or sedation, or treatment-related risks. To reduce the risk of radiation, fluoroscopy should always be performed.