Fluoroscopy Imaging Technique

What is fluoroscopy?

· The fluoroscopy procedure is an imaging technique that gathers moving images of internal structures of patients using a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope consists of a fluorescent screen and an x-ray beam passing through your body onto the fluorescent screen. It is like an x-ray movie: continuous images display on a monitor of the operator.

· The patient lies down or stands on the screening table. The patient and x-ray camera are positioned and a series of low-dose x-rays are taken, often before, during and after the administration of contrast material.

· Fluoroscopic imaging allows multiple images to be taken in quick succession in order to evaluate specific areas of the body. They are of lower quality than formal x-ray exposures but use less radiation.

Fluoroscopy enables doctors to see moving structures of the body, functions of the body and helps with diagnosing diseases they would not otherwise be able to see. Fluoroscopy has numerous benefits over invasive surgical procedures as it only requires a tiny incision, significantly reducing your risk of infection and recovery time.

What should I do to prepare?

• Many fluoroscopy and x-ray procedures like chest and bone x-rays require no preparation.

• You might be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.

• Don’t take your morning medicines if directed by the doctor. Instead, bring them with you so your doctor can inform you when to take them.

• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please check with your doctor before scheduling the exam. Other options will be discussed with you and your doctor.

• You may be asked to change into a hospital gown which will be provided for you. No piercings or jewellery is allowed, so, please, leave it at home.

•  Notify the radiologist or technologist if you are allergic or sensitive to medications or. contrast dyes.

What happens after?

• After your scan, you may experience some mild soreness at the injection site. This is normal, but if you have concerns, please inform your GP/doctor.

• Your images will be sent directly to the radiologist, who will then review and report on the images and information which he receives. The radiologist will then send a report of your results to your doctor/GP within a few days. You should follow-up with your doctor/GP to discuss your results.

Radiation risks:

· There are some minor risks associated with fluoroscopy, because it exposes you to radiation. The amount you absorb varies depending on the procedure length, your height and weight. Some individuals could experience radiation-induced “burns” of their skin tissue after the procedure. However, the benefits of identifying an illness definitely outweigh the risks associated with the procedure.

References:

• Centre for Diagnostic Imaging (2020) Centre for Diagnostic Imaging [Online] Available at: https://www.mycdi.com/services/x-ray/fluoroscopy/#what-to-expect-after-3 (Accessed 12 October 2020).

• Envision Radiology (2020) Envision Radiology [Online] Available at: https://www.envrad.com/what-is-fluoroscopy-and-how-to-prepare/#fluoroscopy-risks (Accessed 12 October 2020).

• Hopkins Medicine (2020) Hopkins Medicine [Online] Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/fluoroscopy-procedure (Accessed 12 October 2020).

• iRefer Guidelines https://www.irefer.org.uk/guidelines [Accessed 10 November 2020]

• Reference: 2020. [image] Available at: <https://images.app.goo.gl/TQcKmJnxG894iDxQA > [Accessed 11 November 2020].

• Rodrigues M., Qureshi Z., (2014) The Unofficial Guide to Radiology UK: Zeshan Qureshi.