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Gastrointestinal Fluoroscopy Procedure
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for a radiology investigation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure.
If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
The investigation uses fluoroscopy to examine the GI tract using contrast which are liquids which are visible on X-ray such as Barium Sulphate or Gastrograffin. Fluoroscopy is a process that uses X-rays to produce a real time moving image on a television monitor.
Examples includes investigations such as a contrast swallow, contrast meal or follow-through, examination of a feeding tube or contrast instilled into the lower GI tract via a stoma or using a tube inserted into the rectum (back passage).
Before your appointment
Please let us know if:
- there is any possibility that you may be pregnant. All patients from 12-55 years of age (regardless of gender) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant.
- you have limited mobility and / or requiring a hoist
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On the day of procedure
Eating – Do not eat any food for 6 hours prior to the time of your appointment.
Diabetic patients - If you are diabetic you should have received an early morning
appointment. If not please contact the department to rearrange your appointment time to the next appropriate and available appointment. Do not take your diabetic tablets or insulin, but bring them with you. You also may want to bring a snack with you to eat after your examination
Drinking – you may drink non-milky drinks (i.e. water, black tea / coffee, herbal tea) up to 2 hours before your procedure.
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
The Radiology / X-Ray Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital. You should follow the directions from the main hospital entrance.
On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist.
Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area.
Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you. The Radiology Department can be very busy, please bring only one relative or friend with you.
The Examination
Your procedure will be performed by a radiologist who will be working alongside a
radiographer. Once called, you may be asked to change into a gown.
You will be required to drink one or more cups of flavoured liquid contrast which is not unpleasant. This enables the Radiologist to see your oesophagus on the television screen. During the examination, various pictures will be taken with you in different positions, standing or lying down.
If special feeding equipment is required in order to be able to drink the barium solution (e.g. bottles, tubes, syringes, etc), please could you bring this with you.
If the examination is of the lower GI tract we will ask you to lie down on the scanner. We will then pass a small, flexible tube into your anus using lubricant gel or into a stoma. The liquid contrast will then be gently instilled into the bowel via the tube.
When we have completed taking images, any tubes will be removed from your back passage or stoma. If required we will then show you to the toilet. You may spend as long as you like in the toilet, until you feel more comfortable. You will then be able to get dressed.
The procedure takes around 30 minutes, but please expect to be with us for an hour or so in total.
After the Examination
After the examination is completed you will be free to resume your daily activities.
If barium is used this can cause constipation which can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids. You may resume your normal diet.
If gastrograffin is used this can cause diarrhoea but this should be for a short period only.
Risks
- X-rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Exposure to medical X-rays carries a small additional risk, but your doctor feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having the test and the amount of radiation you will receive is kept to as low as reasonably possible.
- Abdominal discomfort. This should get better as you move around and start to eat.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.3
Approval date:
3 October 2024
Review date:
3 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.