Do you also want to know about fluoroscopy? Let's talk about it simply!

Sometimes doctors need to see exactly what's going on inside our bodies, right? That's when a special test called fluoroscopy comes in handy. It's like watching a movie inside the body. Isn't it amazing?

Now you might be thinking, "So this is like a regular X-ray?" It's a little similar, but there's a big difference . A regular X-ray is like taking a photograph. That is, you only see what it looks like at one moment. But fluoroscopy is something much more than that. It's like recording with a video camera. That is, you can see the organs inside your body working, moving, live at that moment. Do you understand the difference? It's like the difference between a still picture and a moving video.

What is fluoroscopy mainly used for?

Okay, now let's see what doctors do with this so-called fluoroscopy test. It is used for two main purposes.

1. For diagnosis (Diagnostic Fluoroscopy)

One is to find out what problems, that is, diseases, are in different parts of our body. It's like a detective looking inside the body. Here are a few examples:

• Angiography: This is used to find out if there is any blockage or narrowing anywhere inside our blood vessels, that is, arteries. Imagine that when a water pipe is blocked, the water does not flow, and the same is true of blood vessels.
• Barium Swallow or Esophagogram: This checks for any problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which runs from our throat to our stomach. Just like when we swallow food, it looks for any problems along the way.
• Barium Enema: This tests for problems in the colon and rectum, which are important organs in the lower part of our digestive system.
• Cystography: This test is done to find out if there are any problems with your bladder. One type of test is called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) . It checks whether urine is flowing out of the bladder properly and completely.
• Hysterosalpingogram: This is a test done specifically for women. It is used to check the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes, such as their shape and whether there are any blockages.
• Myelography: This takes pictures of the spinal cord, the nerve roots that come out of it, and the membranes that cover the spinal cord (meninges). This can help find the cause of things like back pain and leg pain.
• Sniff Test: This sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? This tests whether our diaphragm, the large muscle between our chest and stomach that helps us breathe, is working properly. People who have difficulty breathing can do this.

2. Fluoroscopy for procedure guidance

The second reason is that during some medical treatments, such as surgeries, the doctor uses this to check whether the instruments or things being inserted inside the body are in place and working properly. It's like looking in the dark with a flashlight instead of groping around.

• Intravascular catheterization: In this, the doctor can check the blood flow inside the artery, whether there is a blockage somewhere, or whether the catheter is in place properly.
• Inserting or adjusting a catheter: A catheter is a thin tube. They are used to deliver fluids into the body or to remove fluids from the body. They can be inserted into places such as the urinary tract, blood vessels, and bile ducts. For example, they are often used in procedures such as angioplasty, which is done on blood vessels in the heart.
• Stent placement: Stents are small mesh-like devices that help open up blocked or narrowed blood vessels. Fluoroscopy is a great way to help ensure that they are placed in the right place.
• Orthopedic surgery: Your surgeon may use fluoroscopy as a guide during orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement or fracture repair. This can help ensure that the broken bones are properly fixed.

How does fluoroscopy work?

Although it may seem very simple, there is an advanced technology behind it. Fluoroscopy is performed using a special camera. This camera takes pictures by sending small amounts of X-ray beams, called pulses, into the body. This is like taking a series of photos and displaying them together. That's when the moving images appear like a video. This can happen when your organs are working normally, or when a doctor is performing a procedure.

In some tests, the doctor uses a special liquid called a contrast agent to help the doctor see the organs and other things inside the body more clearly. Some people call it a 'dye', but it's not the same as the dye that stains clothes. This substance is very sensitive to X-rays, so the path it takes, or where it accumulates, can be clearly seen. There are several ways the doctor can give you this liquid:

• You can inject it into your vein.
• You may be given this liquid to drink (for example, in a barium swallow).
• It can also be inserted into your rectum as an enema (for example, in a barium enema).

How do you prepare for a fluoroscopy test?

How you prepare depends on the type of fluoroscopy you are having and why it is being done. Some tests do not require any special preparation. However, for others, your doctor may tell you to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners) for a few days or to fast (not eat or drink anything) for a few hours before the test. It is very important that you follow these instructions exactly. If you have any questions about this, be sure to ask your doctor.

Don't forget to tell your doctor about these things in advance:

• If you are allergic to the aforementioned contrast dye , or have had problems with it in the past (e.g., itching, difficulty breathing).
• If you are pregnant or may become pregnant . This is because the radiation from fluoroscopy can be harmful to the unborn baby. That's why doctors are especially careful about it.
• If you have other illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus, tell us about them as well.

What happens during a fluoroscopy test?

Depending on the type of test you are having, this may be done in an outpatient center, or as part of your stay in the hospital. Before the test, you will be asked to change into a gown they provide, and to remove any jewelry.

The following steps typically occur during a fluoroscopy examination:

• You will be made to lie down on an X-ray table or sit in a special chair.
• If you'll be asleep for the procedure, an anesthesiologist will inject a medicine into a vein in your arm. Then you won't feel anything.
• If the test requires contrast dye, you will be given it to drink, or an injection or enema will be given as appropriate.
• Depending on the type of test, your doctor may ask you to turn your body in different ways, meaning to assume different positions. Sometimes they may also ask you to hold your breath for a short while. It is very important to follow these instructions carefully to get clear images.
• If your test involves inserting a catheter, your doctor will clean and numb your skin in a suitable area, such as your groin or elbow, and insert a needle.
• The doctor then uses an X-ray scanner to take fluoroscopy images. They view these images on a computer screen.

Are we awake when we do this test?

It also depends on the test being done. Some fluoroscopy tests require you to be awake, while others require you to be sedated or under anesthesia . For example, if a doctor is using it as a guide during surgery or when inserting a stent, you are more likely to be sedated.

However, there are other fluoroscopy tests that are not as painful. For example, a barium swallow test. It is important that you remain awake during these tests because you will need to follow the doctor's instructions (e.g., 'swallow now', 'hold your breath'). Your doctor will tell you in advance whether you will be given anesthesia for the test or not. So there is nothing to worry about.

Are there any risks with a fluoroscopy test?

There is a small risk in any medical test, right? The main risk with fluoroscopy is radiation exposure . But there is something to understand here. Fluoroscopy, which is used to diagnose diseases, uses very low levels of radiation . It does not cause much harm. Doctors always try to use the least amount of radiation possible.

However, if doctors use fluoroscopy during something like surgery, you may be exposed to a little more radiation. In such cases, the following can very rarely happen:

• Your skin and underlying tissues can be damaged (just like a 'burn').
• Over time, the risk of developing cancer may increase slightly .
• If you are pregnant, it could harm the unborn baby (that's why it's important to tell your doctor early).

However, remember that the chance of these side effects occurring is very small . If the test is medically necessary, the benefits far outweigh the small risks. Doctors are always looking to do what is best for you.

Another thing, if you use contrast dye for your fluoroscopy, there is a very small chance of having an allergic reaction to it. That's why it's always said that if you have any allergies or have had problems with a contrast dye in the past, tell your doctor.

So what are the benefits of fluoroscopy?

The biggest advantage of this is that doctors can see how your organs are working, or where things are, in real time, while they are performing a treatment. This is not like some other medical imaging methods. For example, a CT scan only shows you what is happening at a specific moment. But fluoroscopy is a very different and very useful thing. This allows for more precise and safe treatment.

What are the results of a fluoroscopy test?

The results you get will depend on the type of test you have. If the results show that a part of your body is not working properly, you may need to have further diagnostic tests or start treatment. It's best to ask your doctor what kind of results you can expect.

How long does it take to know the results?

It also depends on the type of fluoroscopy you have and whether it is part of a surgery or not. You may get the results of:

• Whether the doctor is doing the examination or right after it's done.
• When you regain consciousness after surgery.
• After a radiologist or your specialist has reviewed the images, this can take anywhere from a day to a week.

Don't forget to ask your doctor when you can expect to know your results.

When should I contact my doctor?

If you have any questions about how to prepare for the test or what the results mean, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. They are there to help you. Also, if you feel anything unusual after the test (e.g., severe pain, swelling, fever), let them know right away.

Is the fluoroscopy test painful?

Fluoroscopy is not painful and is noninvasive. However, if your doctor is using it to guide a procedure, such as surgery, you may feel some pain. But the pain is not from the fluoroscopy, but from the procedure itself. Your doctor will tell you in advance what kind of pain you can expect during and after your procedure. They will also give you pain medication if needed.

Finally, things to remember

If you've ever taken your car to a mechanic, you know that they can't tell you what's wrong with your car just by looking at a photo of it. They may have to start it up, see how it works, and figure out what's going on. Fluoroscopy is a similar concept. Your doctor also needs to see how your body works, to know exactly where the problem is, and how to treat it. It also helps them place medical devices precisely inside your body.

So, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about how this test is done, or what the results mean. They will explain everything to you in simple terms. There is no reason to be afraid! These tests are there to help you improve your health.

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