Fluoroscopy is an X-ray examination method to produce video-like sequel images. This method is used to observe the condition of body organs directly (real time). Similar to CT scans, fluoroscopy uses X-ray rays in capturing images. However, the difference is that the image produced by fluoroscopy only has one angle.
The purpose of fluoroscopy is various. Among them is to determine the diagnosis of the disease, examine conditions before and after treatment therapy, or to support the implementation of operations relating to the gastrointestinal tract, heart, blood vessels, muscles, respiratory tract, bones, joints, lungs, and liver.
Generally fluoroscopy is combined with contrast dyes, which are substances that are given to patients to produce clearer images and make it easier for doctors to distinguish an organ from the surrounding area. Contrast dyes can be given by injection into the patient, taken by the patient, or inserted into the patient's anus.
Fluoroscopy Indications
Fluoroscopy is used for several types of examinations and treatments, such as:
- Orthopedic Procedure. The doctor will use fluoroscopy to help observe the condition of the fracture before bone repair surgery is done. In addition, fluoroscopy can also be used to help doctors place bone implants in the right position.
- Gastrointestinal examination. In this procedure, the patient will be given a contrast dye taken to help observe the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
- Cardiovascular procedure. Fluoroscopy is used to help procedure procedures on the heart and blood vessels, such as actions to remove clots that block blood flow, cardiac angiography, or ring placement in blood vessels.
Fluoroscopy Warning
This procedure emits radiation. Exposure to X-ray radiation produced by fluoroscopy can affect the condition of the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women are not advised to undergo this procedure. In fact, it is recommended to avoid the fluoroscopy room when this procedure is taking place.
In practice, fluoroscopy often uses contrast, for example barium. This substance is given with the aim to facilitate the doctor in observing the condition of the organ, because the resulting image will be clearer. However, for patients who have a history of allergies to contrast agents, they must notify the doctor before fluoroscopy begins.
The use of contrast agents, especially through intravenous injections, should be avoided in patients who have the condition:
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Multiple myeloma
- Narrowing of the heart valve (especially the aorta)
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell anemia
In addition, for sufferers or those who have a history of kidney problems, it should also inform the doctor about their condition, because the contrast substances can affect kidney function.
Fluoroscopy preparation
The following are things that need to be prepared by the patient before undergoing fluoroscopy:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Remove all accessories that are attached to the body, such as bracelets, earrings or necklaces, and store them where they have been
- Use special clothes that have been prepared by the hospital.
- For a stomach examination, do not eat or drink anything since the night before the examination.
Before the examination begins, the doctor will give a contrast dye. The form of administration of this substance varies, depending on the area to be observed. Among others are:
- Oral or taken. Aims to observe the condition of the esophagus (esophagus) or stomach. This substance may feel bad or cause nausea.
- Enema. The coloring agent in this form is given through the anus. Side effects can include discomfort and flatulence.
- Injection. Dyes injected into blood vessels can help doctors in observing the condition of the gall bladder, urinary tract, liver, and blood vessels. Side effects that may be felt by patients after being injected with this substance is the body feels warm and like there is a metallic taste in the mouth.
Fluoroscopy Procedure
The examination can be carried out with two types of fluoroscope devices, namely those that can not be moved (fixed or permanently installed fluoroscopic) or which can be moved (mobile fluoroscopic). Non-removable fluoroscopes are usually used to support gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures (such as ERCP) or cardiac catheterization. Whereas fluoroscopic mobile is commonly used for orthopedic procedures, such as joint, bone and implant observation or ESWL. An example of a fluoroscopic mobile is the C-arm machine.
There is no pain that arises when fluoroscopy or X-ray imaging takes place. However, supporting procedures, such as injection of contrast agents in joints or blood vessels, can cause pain. In practice, patients will be asked to lie down on the beds that have been provided. The doctor will then ask the patient to direct the part of his body that will be observed to the fluoroscope, change position, or hold his breath while the procedure is taking place.
In certain cases, such as the arthrography (joint observation) procedure, the fluid in the joint is taken before the contrast dye is injected into the patient. Afterwards, the patient will be asked to move the joint so that the contrast dye can spread to all parts of the joint.
The duration of fluoroscopy depends on which part of the body is examined, and whether there are actions that need to be taken. Generally, fluoroscopy only takes about 30 minutes. However, if an in-depth examination is needed, such as in the examination of the small intestine, then the time needed to be more, which is about 2-6 hours.
After fluoroscopy
After the examination is complete, patients are usually allowed to go home. However, if there are actions that use drugs, the patient is not allowed to drive until the effects of the anesthesia are completely gone. Therefore, there should be family or friends of patients who drive home.
In certain procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, patients will need hospitalization for recovery. Patients will also be asked to see a doctor again, if signs of infection arise at the site of the former catheter entry, such as pain, redness, or swelling.
Fluoroscopy results can come out in 1-3 days. The doctor will determine the schedule for the next meeting to explain the results of the examination.
Patients can return to their activities as usual. Prioritize drinking lots of water, so that barium or contrast agents used in fluoroscopy leave the body. Consult with your doctor to find out the daily intake of fluids needed.
Risk of fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an X-ray examination that exposes radiation. This procedure can trigger health problems, such as skin disorders and cancer, but the potential is relatively small and only occurs if done for a long time. In addition, the use of contrast dyes in fluoroscopy risks causing allergic reactions or impaired kidney function.
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