Singapore Fluoroscopy for Patients

Fluoroscopy uses X-rays with the aid of a contrast agent to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient. The images are viewed simultaneously on a television from which still shots or continuous video pictures can be captured. Contrast agents may be introduced into the body through injection, swallowing or an enema.

Preparation for your fluoroscopy procedure will depend on the type of exam ordered by your physician.

Some common fluoroscopy examinations include:

• barium swallow
• barium meal
• barium enema
• hysterosalpingography (HSG)

Barium Swallow

Liquid barium is taken orally and swallowed while the radiologist studies its dynamic progress from the mouth to the stomach. This enables the oropharynx, oesophagus and stomach to be evaluated together with the swallowing mechanism and transit time.

Preparation

• IV Buscopan, which is a smooth muscle relaxant, is sometimed administered. Please let the doctor know if you have a history of glaucoma or drug allergy as this may prelude its use
• no food or liquids are to be taken 4 hours prior to the exam

Scan Shows

Barium Meal

This study is used to view the upper digestive tract i.e. esophagus, the stomach and the upper small bowel. This test may identify the presence of gastro-oesophageal reflux, ulcers or tumors within the stomach. During the exam, liquid barium is taken orally and a series of X-rays are taken at specific time intervals to show the barium it progresses from the mouth stomach to the beginning of the small intestine.

Preparation

• IV Buscopan, which is a smooth muscle relaxant, is sometimed administered. Please let the doctor know if you have a history of glaucoma or drug allergy as this may prelude its use
• no food or liquids are to be taken 4 hours prior to the exam, as this will obscure the view of the stomach lining

Scan Shows

Barium Enema

A barium enema is an X-ray procedure that allows a physician to see the intestines and look for disease like polyps, tumors, diverticuli and ulcerations. During the exam, a well-lubricated tube is inserted into the rectum. The barium is then allowed to flow into the colon and monitored by the doctor on a TV screen. Air may be puffed into the colon to distend it and provide better images. The patient is usually asked to move to different positions and the table tipped to get different views.

Preparation

• IV Buscopan, which is a smooth muscle relaxant, is sometimed administered. Please let the doctor know if you have a history of glaucoma or drug allergy as this may prelude its use
• thorough cleansing of the large intestine is necessary for accurate pictures
• preparations include a clear liquid diet, drinking a laxative and using enemas to clear out any stool residue

Scan Shows

Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a radiologic procedure used to investigate the shape of the uterine cavity and the shape and patency of the fallopian tubes. It is often part of the work-up of infertile women.

The test is done with contrast media (dye) injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix.

Preparation

• if you've had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent in any prior imaging exam, please notify our staff before your appointment
• testing should be scheduled in the preovulatory phase, usually between day 7 and day 10 from the start of your menstrual period
• please notify the technologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, as the test is contraindicated in pregnancy

Scan Shows