|
General x-ray and
fluoroscopy refers to the most basic of imaging procedures,
all of which use a very low dose of radiation to produce an
image of a body part. These types of procedures range from
an exam as simple as a chest x-ray to procedures in which
a contrast material is used (more on that later).
Most of us are familiar with routine x-rays,
where the bones and lungs are easily visualized. No special
preparation is needed for these exams and you should be in
and out of our Center quickly. Certain body parts however,
cannot be visualized without the introduction of a contrast
media, commonly referred to as "dye", to make them
"stand out" on the x-ray. These types of exams include
Upper G.I.'s, colons, IVP's, arthrograms and myelograms, to
name a few. Many of these studies also require special preparation,
which we detail in the section entitled, "Preparation
Instructions".
There are several different forms of contrast
media. Some, like barium, are drunk for procedures like an
Upper G.I. and/or a small bowel study. Air is sometimes also
used. Upon drinking the barium, the radiologist follows its
flow via fluoroscopy (a real-time x-ray "movie"
viewed from a television monitor) and will take permanent
static images for your record. When a small bowel exam is
requested, the barium's progress through all 15 feet of the
small intestine will be followed with routine x-rays over
a period of time which may take up to a couple of hours, depending
upon the speed in which the barium advances through the digestive
tract.
During colon studies, barium and/or air
is introduced into the large intestine via an enema. Like
an Upper G.I., it is followed with fluoroscopy and relevant
static pictures are taken. Every effort is made to accomplish
this exam as quickly as possible and with as little discomfort
as possible.
Intravenous pyleograms (IVP's) are done
to visualize the kidneys, ureters and bladder. This is accomplished
with the intravenous injection of an iodine-based contrast
medium. A detailed allergy history will be obtained prior
to the injection of any contrast, however please
be sure to inform us if your patient has an allergy to iodine,
if you know that he or she has ever had a reaction to an iodine-based
contrast media or if they are a diabetic currently taking
Glucophage™. At XRCMI we use only nonionic IV
contrast material, which greatly minimizes the likelihood
of a reaction, but we still take every precaution to screen
those patients who potentially could be allergic. We may also
require certain lab blood tests prior to doing this exam.
Arthrograms are studies in which contrast
material is injected into a joint space such as a knee, shoulder
or wrist in order to evaluate the soft tissues within the
joint (cartilage, ligaments, etc.). After the contrast is
within the joint space, a series of images are obtained from
a variety of positions and angles in order to obtain a diagnosis.
Myleograms involve the injection of a contrast
medium into the spinal canal, which usually takes place in
the lower back region. Depending on what particular area of
the spinal canal needs to be visualized, the x-ray table will
be tilted to the degree necessary to allow the contrast to
flow into that region. When the contrast is in the area of
interest, a series of images are obtained. Following this
procedure you will need to stay with us, lying flat for a
period of time in our Recovery Area and will need to make
arrangements for someone to drive you home.
There are so many different types of procedures
that we perform that it would be impossible to detail every
one of them in this space. Please do not hesitate to call
us at (574) 243-0100 for more detailed information or for
any information about an exam you did not find here. You can
also clickContact
Usto send us an e-message.
|
