Fluoroscopy

Typical applications include oesophageal swallow studies, examinations of the gastrointestinal tract using contrast medium, and arthrography. In arthrography, contrast medium is injected directly into a joint to provide additional information for subsequent assessment by MRI or CT.

Different contrast agents are used depending on the type of examination.

In arthrography, the contrast agent is injected directly into a joint. Depending on the clinical question, we use iodine-based contrast agents for CT scans or gadolinium-based contrast agents for MRI scans to better assess joint structures such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

Barium sulphate is frequently used for examinations of the gastrointestinal tract. It is swallowed or administered via a feeding tube and makes mucous membranes and peristaltic movements visible.

Iodine- and gadolinium-containing contrast agents are excreted by the kidneys in the urine; with normal kidney function, they leave the body within a few hours to a few days. Barium sulphate is not absorbed but is excreted in the stools and usually leaves the body within a few days.

Contrast agents are generally well tolerated. Allergy-like reactions, such as a rash, itching or nausea, occur rarely. Our medical team is prepared for such situations.

During an examination of the gastrointestinal tract, you will drink the contrast medium. Whilst you are doing so, we will use fluoroscopy to take real-time X-ray images in order to assess the movement and flow of the contrast medium. Depending on the area being examined, the procedure usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.

During an arthrography, we inject a contrast agent directly into the joint under sterile conditions after administering a local anaesthetic. We use fluoroscopy to check that the needle is correctly positioned. Depending on the clinical question, this is followed by a further examination using CT or MRI. The arthrography itself usually takes about 15 minutes.

Are you pregnant, or do you suspect you might be? Please let us know immediately. In this case, we will reassess the benefits and risks. We will only carry out the examination if it is medically justifiable, taking into account all protective measures for the unborn child.

Radiology has undergone significant technological advances in recent years. Modern equipment now enables a significantly lower radiation dose and thus offers more effective protection than lead aprons for patients ever could.

In light of these developments and new scientific findings, professional bodies recommend that lead aprons should no longer be used on patients in radiology.

Different requirements continue to apply to our medical staff. As they regularly work in the vicinity of radiation sources, protective equipment such as lead aprons remains an important measure for keeping occupational radiation exposure as low as possible.