What is fluoroscopic examination of the esophagus?

A VFSE (modified barium swallow) exam looks at how you swallow different liquids and foods. It uses a special real-time form of x-ray called fluoroscopy. The doctor watches as the patient swallows items with different thicknesses and textures.

What type of exam is typically performed with fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is used in many types of examinations and procedures, such as barium X-rays , cardiac catheterization , arthrography (visualization of a joint or joints), lumbar puncture , placement of intravenous (IV) catheters (hollow tubes inserted into veins or arteries), intravenous pyelogram , hysterosalpingogram.

What imaging is best for hiatal hernia?

An upper GI barium series is the preferred examination in the investigation of suggested hiatal hernia and its sequelae. CT scans are useful when more precise cross-sectional anatomic localization is desired. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radionuclide studies is anecdotal.

What is an upper GI fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is often used during an upper GI series. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures — similar to an X-ray “movie.” A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.

Can you eat before a fluoroscopy?

For all fluoroscopy exams, including: Esophagram, Upper GI, Small Bowel Series, Barium Enema, or I.V.P. Please DO NOT EAT OR DRINK after midnight prior to your exam, you must be fasting.

What can fluoroscopy detect?

Fluoroscopy exams can provide detailed “moving’ images of entire body systems, including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems; or it can look at specific body organs, such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys.

What can fluoroscopy diagnose?

Fluoroscopy allows your doctor to see your organs and tissues working on a video screen, similar to watching a movie. Fluoroscopy helps diagnose and treat many conditions of the blood vessels, bones, joints, and digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems.

How do you check if you have a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia is often discovered during a test or procedure to determine the cause of heartburn or chest or upper abdominal pain. These tests or procedures include: X-ray of your upper digestive system. X-rays are taken after you drink a chalky liquid that coats and fills the inside lining of your digestive tract.

Where is hiatal hernia pain located?

Pain: At times, a hiatal hernia causes chest pain or upper abdominal pain when the stomach becomes trapped above the diaphragm through the narrow esophageal hiatus.

What should be included in a fluoroscopic examination of the esophagus?

During fluoroscopic examination of the esophagus, the stomach and the duodenum are also carefully studied because neoplasms in these areas may invade the esophagus and cause obstruction. Check the additional films and fluoroscopic evaluations haven’t been ordered before allowing the patient to resume his usual diet.

How is a barium swallow performed in the evaluation of esophageal obstruction?

After the table is rotated to a horizontal position, the patient takes several swallows of the barium so that the esophageal junction and peristalsis may be evaluated. Passage of the barium is fluoroscopically observed and the spot films are taken with the patient in the supine and prone position.

How is dysphagia assessed in the evaluation of esophageal stricture?

To accentuate small strictures or demonstrate dysphagia, the patient may be asked to swallow a “barium marshmallow” (soft white bread soaked in barium) or a barium pill. The patient is then secured to the X-ray table and rotated to trendelenburg position to evaluate esophageal peristalsis or demonstrate hiatal hernia and gastric reflux.

What does upper GI Xray show esophagus?

Your upper GI tract includes the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and your esophagus. Barium is used during a swallowing test to make certain areas of the body show up more clearly on an X-ray. The radiologist will be able to see size and shape of the pharynx and esophagus.