Radiology Group | Fluoroscopic X-ray

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

Fluoroscopic X-ray » Lower GI Tract
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A fluoroscopic x-ray of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract examines and detects abnormalities of the entire large intestine (colon). If present, the appendix may also be seen, as well as portions of the small intestine. Fluoroscopy is used to view the large intestine when abnormal or blocked movement of waste through the body's lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is suspected. An examination of the lower GI tract also visualizes ulcers, benign tumors, cancer, and other intestinal conditions, diseases and disorders.

Fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray "movie" that studies body structures in "real" time. An x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so the Radiologist may study a specific moving body part in detail. Contrast material is used to highlight the area of interest.

Contrast material (liquid barium or water) coats the inside of the rectum, colon and a part of the lower small intestine. It appears very bright white on a fluoroscopic image and produces a sharp, well-defined picture from which your Radiologist can make a diagnosis.

Because a fluoroscopic x-ray involves exposure to radiation, inform your doctor and Radiologic Technologist if there is any possibility you are pregnant.
Pick up a LiquiPrep kit from the front desk of Radiology Group. Follow the instructions included in the kit unless specifically instructed otherwise.
You will be asked to change into a gown for your exam.

For the examination you will lie on a table where conventional x-ray images of your lower GI tract will be obtained for comparison with the fluoroscopic lower GI tract exam. a "real-time" moving picture x-ray on a TV-like monitor.

Contrast material is needed to provide detailed images of the inside of the colon. Your Technologist will insert a small tube into the rectum and fill the colon with contrast material (liquid barium or water) to coat the inside of the rectum, colon and a part of the lower small intestine. Air may also be pumped into the colon. Distending the colon with air allows for a better quality image or picture. The contrast material will appear very bright white on the fluoroscopic image and produce a sharp, well-defined picture from which your Radiologist can make a diagnosis. As the contrast material fills your colon, you will feel the need to move your bowel. It is also normal to experience abdominal pressure or minor cramping. In order to produce the highest quality images, you will be frequently repositioned so that a variety of views of the colon can be visualized from several angles. Once the fluoroscopic images and supplementary conventional x-rays are completed, most of the barium is drawn back into a bag. You will be directed into a washroom to expel the remaining barium and air. In some cases, additional images made need to be taken to demonstrate to how well the colon has been cleared.

A fluoroscopic x-ray of the lower GI tract takes approximately 45 minutes from the time you enter the fluoroscopic suite until you leave. The actual procedure time is about 20 minutes. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

You may return to a normal diet and activities immediately after the exam. Your stools may appear white for a day or so as your body clears the contrast material from your system. You will be encouraged to drink additional water for 24 hours after the examination. If you experience constipation for more than two days after your exam, contact your doctor promptly.

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931

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