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Fluoroscopy is a non-invasive exam used to visualize your gastrointestinal tract in motion. Fluoroscopy uses a continuous x-ray beam to create a sequence of images that are projected onto a fluorescent screen, or television-like monitor.
When used with a contrast material, which clearly defines the area being examined by making it appear bright white, this special x-ray technique makes it possible for a physician to view internal organs in motion. Still images are also captured and stored digitally on a computer.
Here at University Imaging Center we offer quality and comfort when performing Fluoroscopic exams. The Fluoroscopic exams that we perform include:
A barium swallow is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the structure and function of your esophagus.
Who performs the procedure?
The procedure is performed by a Radiologist with the assistance of a Technologist.
Why is this procedure done?
This procedure may be done for several reasons. It may be done to evaluate for:
Where is the procedure performed?
This procedure is performed in the Fluoroscopy Department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Is there any prep for this procedure?
Patients cannot anything by mouth after 12:00am (midnight) before their scheduled exam. They may take medications with a small sip of water.
What can I expect before the procedure?
Once you arrive at UIC, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be taken to the Fluoroscopy department where you will be instructed to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined.
What can I expect during the procedure?
During this exam, you will be on the fluoroscopy table. The table will either be standing up vertically or lying down during this procedure. You will be instructed to drink barium sulfate and you may be given some gas crystals to ingest to distend your esophagus. This will give the Radiologist a better look at your esophagus. You will be asked to hold your breath and move in different positions during this exam.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may experience your stool turning a grayish white from the barium. This is normal. Drink a lot of liquids to flush this barium out of your colon because it may cause constipation.
Are there any risks to this procedure?
There is a very low risk that one may have from the exposure to radiation
Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
No alternatives are available for this procedure.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please contact a UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.
Upper Gastrointestinal Series (UGI)
Upper Gastrointestinal Series (UGI) is a fluoroscopic examination of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (also known as the duodenum) that uses oral contrast material called barium.
Who performs the procedure?
The procedure is performed by a Radiologist with the assistance of a Technologist.
Why is this procedure performed?
This procedure may be performed for several reasons. It may be done to evaluate for:
Where is the procedure performed?
This procedure is performed in the Fluoroscopy Department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Is there any prep for this procedure?
Patients may not consume anything by mouth after 12:00 a.m. (midnight) before their scheduled exam.
What can I expect before the procedure?
Once you arrive at UIC, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be taken to the Fluoroscopy Department where you will be instructed to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined.
What can I expect during the procedure?
During this exam, you will be on the fluoroscopy table. The table will either be standing up vertically or lying down during this procedure. You will be instructed to drink barium and you may be given some gas crystals to ingest to distend your esophagus. This will give the Radiologist a better look at your esophagus and stomach. You will be asked to hold your breath and move in different positions during this exam.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may experience your stool turning a grayish white from the barium. This is normal. Drink a lot of liquids to flush this barium out of your colon because it may cause constipation.
Are there any risks to this procedure?
There is a very low risk that one may have from the exposure to radiation
Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
No alternatives are available for this procedure.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please contact a UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.
Small Bowel Series is a diagnostic tool used to examine the small intestines with the aid of a contrast media called barium.
Who performs the procedure?
The procedure is performed by a Radiologist with the assistance of a Technologist.
Why is this procedure performed?
This procedure may be performed for several reasons. It may be done to evaluate for:
Where is the procedure performed?
This procedure is performed in the Fluoroscopy Department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Is there any prep for this procedure?
Patients may not consume anything by mouth after 12:00 a.m. (midnight) before their scheduled exam.
What can I expect before the procedure?
Once you arrive at UIC, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be taken to the Fluoroscopy Department where you will be instructed to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined
What can I expect during the procedure?
During this exam, you will be on the fluoroscopy table. A preliminary x-ray will be taken of your abdomen to make sure that it is empty. You will be instructed to drink barium and x-rays will be taken periodically to see how far the barium has gone through your small intestines. This will continue until the barium reaches the beginning of your large intestines. The Radiologist will then come in and take some fluoroscopic images to make sure that your small intestines are functioning properly. You will be asked to hold your breath and move in different positions during this exam.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may experience your stool turning a grayish white from the barium. This is normal. Drink a lot of liquids to flush this barium out of your colon because it may cause constipation.
Are there any risks to this procedure?
There is a very low risk that one may have from the exposure to radiation
Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
No alternatives are available for this procedure.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please contact a UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.
A barium enema is a diagnostic test of the large intestine (colon) which uses a contrast medium called barium to visualize and assess the anatomy and function of the rectum, colon and part of the lower small intestine.
Who performs the procedure?
The procedure is performed by a Radiologist with the assistance of a Technologist.
Why is this procedure performed?
This procedure may be performed for several reasons. It may be performed to evaluate for:
Where is the procedure performed?
This procedure is performed in the Fluoroscopy Department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Is there any prep for this procedure?
Obtain a Fleet Prep Kit (# 2) from a pharmacy or drug store and follow the 24 hour instructions without using the soapsuds in the enema.
What can I expect before the procedure?
Once you arrive at UIC, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be taken to the Fluoroscopy Department where you will be instructed to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined
What can I expect during the procedure?
During this exam you will be on the fluoroscopy table. A preliminary x-ray will be taken of your abdomen to make sure that it is empty. The radiologist or technologist will then insert a small tube into the rectum and begin to pump barium into the colon. Air may also be injected through the tube to help the barium thoroughly coat the lining of the colon. You may feel some abdominal discomfort and the urge to use the bathroom when the contrast and air is introduced into your colon. In some circumstances, the radiologist or referring physician may prefer a water and iodine solution rather than barium.
Next, a series of fluoroscopic images is taken by the Radiologist. You will be asked to hold your breath and move in different positions during this exam. Upon completion of the fluoroscopic imaging performed by the Radiologist, the Technologist will take additional x-rays. After the x-rays are complete the tube is removed from your rectum and you are allowed to use the restroom.
After you use the restroom, one last x-ray is taken to see how your colon empties.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may experience your stool turning a grayish white from the barium. This is normal. Drink a lot of liquids to flush this barium out of your colon because it may cause constipation.
Are there any risks to this procedure?
There is a minimal risk of possibly perforating the bowel if too much air or contrast is inserted. There is also a very low risk that one may have from the exposure to radiation
Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
Virtual Colonoscopy or Conventional Colonoscopy both offer alternatives to this procedure.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please contact a UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.
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