Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging test that is commonly used to check the internal structures of the human body. A fluoroscopy procedure provides real time images of the patient’s internals which helps to determine the cause and progression of many issues within the body. Fluoroscopy is usually used for the digestive system which is analyzed while it is in progress. Fluoroscopy uses an X-ray machine which is placed in front of a fluorescent screen between which the patient will be placed. Modern machines use imagine enhancement techniques and live video cameras to provide a real time moving image of the patient’s body as the various processes of the body are being performed. There are concerns about the effects of a fluoroscopy procedure on the patient as the procedure uses radiation which may cause mild doses of radiation absorption in the patients. Modern techniques are used to partially work around this problem which means that there is a lower risk with modern equipment than before.
A barium swallow fluoroscopy is a fluoroscopy procedure that is performed with the help of a barium contrast. A barium swallow is used for the upper digestive system right from the throat to the stomach. Any number of issues including tumors and ulcers can form in this part of the body which will hinder the process of swallowing and digestion. Barium swallow fluoroscopy imaging helps to view, in real time, the progress of food as it is swallowed into the system. The process may also be used without food and may be used simply to check the lining of the esophagus and stomach as these linings will be coated with the barium contrast solution as the procedure is being performed. The test is often known as a barium swallow fluoroscopy upper GI series, because the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract is being examined.
A barium swallow fluoroscopy procedure may suffer from the problem of the patient being allergic to the contrast material. This may result in a serious medical emergency which is why the patient should ideally be tested in a clinic with adequate emergency medical equipment present. Patients who suffer from kidney problems should not take this test as their kidneys will be unable to filter out the contrast material effectively. The barium swallow fluoroscopy imaging technique is used because it is far less invasive than an endoscopy procedure. The only unpleasant effect of this test is the taste of the barium solution that needs to be consumed before the test.