Fluoroscopy

What is a Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses contrast media and X-rays to examine the anatomy and its function. During this imaging procedure, an X-ray is continually passed through the body and transmits an image to a nearby monitor. This allows the radiologist to obtain real-time body movement in greater detail.

Fluoroscopy is mainly used to aid in diagnosing diseases and guide surgeons during minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures.

Types of Fluoroscopy Imaging

Barium Enema (BE)
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Upper Gastro-Intestinal Series (Upper GI)
Barium Swallow or Meal (Esophagram)
Small Bowel Follow Through (Small Intestines)
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
and many more...

Reasons you could be referred for a Fluoroscopy Scan

What to expect during your Fluoroscopy Imaging

You will be asked to change into a gown and lie on the X-ray table. Depending on your procedure, you may be given a contrast agent to swallow, or it will be injected through an IV or enema.

During the exam, you may be asked to adjust your position or hold your breath so the X-ray can capture the images the radiologist needs.

It’s not a painful procedure, but you may experience some discomfort or require anaesthesia if your fluoroscopy is being used for a catheter insertion or another procedure.

Preparing for your Fluoroscopy Examination

It all depends on the fluoroscopy procedure you’re having. Your doctor will brief you on what to expect prior to your appointment. But we’ve also included more information below.

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at +264 64 218 935.

It’s vital you follow the correct preparations for your procedure. Here’s what you need to know:

The following examinations require preparation:

Barium Enema (BE)

Prior to your appointment:

Continue to take your prescribed medication as usual and bring along a complete list of any medication you are currently taking to your appointment
Inform us prior to your appointment if you are diabetic.
Inform us prior to your appointment if you have any known allergies to medication, food, or any other products.

Preparation Guideline for Adults:

Day 1 (Picolax Day):

You may have anything to eat until 12h00 in the afternoon
At 12h00 – Drink the first sachet of Picolax (dissolved in lukewarm water. Allow the water to cool before drinking it slowly)..
At 15h00 – Drink the second sachet of Picolax.
12h00 is also the time you will start with the fluid diet.
You are allowed to drink Grape or Apple juice/ Powerade or Energade/ Cup a Soup (tomato/or any clear flavor).
No coffee is allowed.
Drink tea but without milk.

Day 2:

You are allowed to continue with the fluid diet.
At 12h00 – drink the entire Lenolax Enema bottle.

The Day Of Your Examination:

You are allowed to drink tea, but without milk

After the examination:

You will be provided with 2x Dulcolax tablets. Which must be taken at once when you get home, these tablets help to reduce constipation from barium contrast.
You will need to continue to drink more water for the next 2 days.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

Do not eat or drink four hours prior to your examination.

Upper Gastro-Intestinal Series (Upper GI), Barium Swallow (Esophagram) or Small Bowel Follow Through

Do not eat or drink anything from midnight until after your exam.

Hysterosalpingogram

HSG cannot be done if:

1. You are pregnant
2. You have a pelvic infection.
3. You have an active uterine bleeding at the time of the procedure.
4. You have been sexually active within the 10 days since the start of your menstruation.

Guidelines for Preparation before your HSG Examination:

The examination must be booked 10 days after the start of your menstruation, but active bleeding must have stopped by the day of the booking. – this timing reduces the risk that you are pregnant or still menstruating during the procedure.
If the 10^th day falls on a weekend, the booking must be made on either the Friday prior to day 10 or the Monday following that weekend.
Please ensure that you do not partake in any sexual activity within the 10 day period.
Take a tablet for pain 1 hour prior to the examination, to reduce discomfort and cramps during the procedure.
Kindly inform us if you have any allergy to Iodine, or any other medication or food.
Make arrangements for time off from work on the day of your appointment, as you may experience discomfort that could prevent you from returning to work afterward.

Guidelines to follow post-procedure:

You will experience slight vaginal bleeding after the procedure, but we will provide you with a sanitary towel/pad immediately after your procedure, you are advised to continue using it until the bleeding stops.
For cramps, take pain medications for any uncomfortable cramps.
Feeling dizzy, faint, or sick to your stomach – make arrangements for someone accompany you so that they can provide assistance to take you home after the procedure.

What are the risks and complications of HSG?

HSG is considered a very safe procedure. However, some complications can occur in rare cases, but your chances of this happening are less than 1%. Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for:

Infection – The most common serious problem with HSG is pelvic infection. Please call your doctor if you experience increasing pain or a fever within 1-2 days of the hysterosalpingogram.

Fainting – It’s rare, but you may experience light-headedness during or shortly after the procedure.

Radiation exposure – The radiation exposure from an HSG is very low, less than with a kidney or bowel study. So there’s no cause for concern.

Iodine allergy – Again, it’s rare, but you may have an allergy to the iodine contrast used in HSG. Please inform your doctor if you’re allergic to iodine, intravenous contrast dyes, or seafood.