The Basics
Fluoroscopic imaging is "real time" or "live" x-ray images of an organ. The images are viewed as "motion pictures" on a video monitor. Some of the tests performed using fluoroscopy include:

• Upper GI: An examination in which the upper digestive tract is visualized. The esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestines (duodenum) are examined.
• Barium Swallow: An examination of esophagus function.
• Barium Enema: An examination in which the lower digestive tract, or large intestine or colon, is visualized.

Patient Preparation
You will be provided specific information about required preparation when your exam is scheduled. Following is a summary of the "prep" required for the more common fluoroscopy exams, most of which are performed in the early morning hours:

• Upper GI: no food, drink or smoking from midnight the night before the exam
• Barium Swallow: same as Upper GI
• Barium Enema: beginning at noon the day before the exam, you will be given specific dietary instructions along with a cleansing regimen

What Can I Expect?
A technologist and a radiologist will be present during most fluoroscopic procedures. For Upper GI and Barium Swallow exams, a barium solution will be swallowed. As fluoroscopic imaging is in "real time", the radiologist can visualize the swallowing process as well as see how the barium empties out of the stomach. Several pictures of the esophagus and stomach will be taken. You will be asked to turn your body based on the specific image the radiologist is acquiring.

For barium enemas, a tube will be inserted into your rectum. A barium solution will flow through the tube to fill up your colon. Then, air will be inserted to improve the accuracy of the test. You may experience some limited abdominal cramping from this. The radiologist will take pictures of your colon during the fluoroscopic examination. Once all the pictures have been processed, the tube will be removed from your rectum, and you will be asked to empty your colon in the restroom. A final picture will be taken to see how well you empty following the enema. You may resume a normal diet following the procedure. Do not be alarmed if your stool is lighter in color. We suggest you increase your fluid intake to assist in eliminating any left over barium from your intestines

Length of Exam   Upper GI and Barium Swallow approximately 30 minutes. Barium Enema 60 minutes.

Obtaining the Results   You should always consult with your doctor to obtain the results of your exam. The availability of those results depends on the nature of the exam, the findings of the radiologist and the specific needs of your doctor with respect to recommending a treatment plan.

Urgent and Complex Cases   When doctors request results quickly due to the nature of the case, our clinical team will provide the doctor with a "preliminary read" (sometimes called a "STAT" or "WET" read) either on a hand-written fax or via a telephone call to the doctor's office. We will also "call" preliminary results into your doctor's office even if not specifically requested if the radiologist deems that the findings may warrant more timely action by your doctor.

It is also common on these cases and in particular, on complex cases, for our radiologists to consult with your doctor directly. This direct line of communication provides your doctor with prompt and actionable diagnostic information which they in turn can use in recommending an immediate course of treatment. After the preliminary findings are reported to the patient's doctor, these cases follow the standard process described below for non-urgent cases, with a final report going to the doctor's office within approximately 24 hours.

Non-Urgent Cases   For those exams which are not urgent in nature, transcribed reports are typically available within 24 hours. Our radiologists review the images taken during an exam, consult prior images or other related clinical information, and dictate a report of their findings. Our onsite transcriptionists then type the reports which are faxed and / or mailed to your doctor's office based on your doctor's particular preferences.

Your doctors also have the ability to access your images and reports online via the Internet.