FLUOROSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS

Barium Swallow:

Oral administration of contrast material (barium, gastrografin) with fluoroscopic study and filming of deglutition, esophageal function, esophageal motility, and disturbances of appearance.

Indications: investigation of esophageal disease such as hiatal hernia, esophagitis, reflux, neoplasms, varices, associated dermatological conditions, trauma, esophageal webs, motility disorders, esophageal diverticulosis, extrinsic esophageal compression, and postoperative changes.

Upper GI Series:

Oral administration of barium and gastrograffin are usually administered in combination with gas producing granules for study of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Indications: investigation of inflammatory diseases, tumors, peptic ulcer disease, structural and functional abnormalities, extrinsic abnormalities, operative changes, and other conditions such as Crohn's disease, trauma, radiation damage, malrotation, midgut voluulus, pyloric stenosis, etc...

Small Bowel Follow Through:

Oral administration of barium or gastrograffin solution for the study of the small bowel.

Indications: Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, neoplasms, infections and infestations, radiation enteritis, mechanical small bowel obstruction, ischemia, trauma, diverticula and blind loops, and small bowel transit.

Enteroclysis:

Duodenal intubation with infusion of barium suspension (sometimes combined with methylcellulose) for study of the small bowel.

Indications: fine detail of mucosal changes of the small bowel.

Lower GI Series (Barium Enema):

Rectal intubation with infusion of barium or gastrograffin contrast without air (single contrast) or with air (double contrast) for study of the large bowel and rectum.

Indications: tumors, diverticular disease, colitis, strictures, endometriosis, Hirschsprung's disease, sigmoid volvulus, investigation of blood per rectum, and evaluation of past operative changes.

T-Tube Cholangiogram

T-tube infusion of contrast media performed following surgical exploration of the common bile duct.

Indications: to determine adequate clearance of the common bile duct and to demonstrate free flow into the duodenum.   Normally performed 7 - 10 days after operation.

Myelography

Injection of iodinated contrast media into the subarachnoid space with subsequent combined fluoroscopic and computed tomographic examination of the spine (cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar) and its contents.

Indications: investigation of spinal pathology and diseases resulting in extrinsic or intrinsic mass - effect on the neural structures of the spine.

Voiding Cystorethrogram

Catheter infusion of iodinated contrast media solution into the bladder with subsequent catheter removal and voiding for examination of the urethra, bladder.

Indications: investigation of possible vesicoureteral reflux, or urethral valve, or bladder tumor.

Hysterosalpingogram

Catheter infusion of contrast media into the uterine cavity.

Indications: infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, recurrent abortion, evaluation post laparoscopic sterilization.

Contradictions: pregnancy, pelvic infection, allergy to contrast medium.