X-ray fluoroscopy works in the same way as conventional X-ray imaging with X-rays and enables functional examinations.


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Similar to conventional radiography, X-rays are generated using an X-ray tube, which can be located either above or below the examination table. Aperture systems are used to confine the radiation to the area of the body to be examined in order to minimise radiation exposure to areas of the body that are not being examined. The X-rays are attenuated to a greater or lesser extent in the body by the different tissues according to their physical properties. Compact tissue such as bone or foreign materials such as prostheses, but also administered contrast agents, have a very high density and absorb a high proportion of radiation, while lung tissue, for example, only shows low absorption due to its high air content. On the opposite side of the body, the rays are captured by a special detector and then converted into a video signal so that the doctor can view moving images on the screen.

The main area of application of fluoroscopy is in examinations of the gastrointestinal tract. However, fluoroscopy is also used in urological diagnostics or in the visualisation of blood vessels.

Here is a brief overview of common examinations:

Thorax (chest):

  • Processes that cannot be clearly assigned in the overview image
  • Assessment of diaphragmatic mobility (phrenic nerve palsy)
  • Visualisation of port systems

Gastrointestinal system:

  • Assessment of the act of swallowing
  • Motility disorders of the oesophagus, diverticulum diagnostics
  • Visualisation of the stomach, duodenum, small intestine and large intestine (e.g. colon contrast enema), especially for infants and small children, among others
  • Tightness testing of anastomoses after operations

Abdomen:

  • Visualisation of fistulas
  • Visualisation of drains and abscesses

Urological examinations:

  • Imaging of the bladder, micturition and urethra (e.g. micturition cystogram and retrograde ureterography)
  • Excretory urograms (ureteral visualisation)
  • Cavernosography

Other examinations:

  • Myelography
  • Visualisation of joints (arthrography)
  • Visualisation of veins (phlebography)
  • Visualisation of salivary glands and lacrimal ducts

Special preparations are necessary for some examinations. These include prior laxative measures, especially for examinations of the colon and rectum. Your referring doctor will inform you of the appropriate preparatory measures before the examination and initiate the corresponding measures.

Due to the extensive range of fluoroscopic examinations, a detailed description of the examination procedures would go beyond the scope of this page. Contrast agents are frequently used, which will be briefly explained here:

For examinations of the upper digestive tract, a liquid, neutral-tasting contrast agent is usually swallowed. Visualisation of the small intestine may require a narrow probe to be inserted via the nose into the duodenum, through which the contrast agent is then administered. Similarly, for examinations of the large intestine, an intestinal tube is used to introduce the contrast medium. Urinary tract examinations often require the insertion of a bladder catheter.

Iodine-containing, water-soluble contrast medium is used to visualise fistulas or to rule out perforations.

Iodine-containing, isotonic contrast agents are also used for examinations of port systems or vessels.