Fluoroscopy
(Lower GI (gastrointestinal) Series, Lower GI Exam)
Overview
Fluoroscopy is a special type of X-ray that allows a radiologist to examine your organs and tissues in real time. The images of your body will appear on a monitor that is like a TV screen. Generally, fluoroscopy is used to examine the digestive system. The most common type of test is a barium enema.
FAQs
What is a barium enema?
A barium enema enables the radiologist to take a series of pictures of your large bowel (colon). It involves placing white liquid, called barium, into the rectum and colon. Barium is a contrast material that helps to enhance the X-ray pictures for clearer images.
Why is this test performed?
Barium enemas are used to diagnose colon and rectal cancers, as well as inflammatory diseases. They are used to detect polyps (benign growths on the lining of the colon or rectum), diverticula (out-pouchings of the colon), and narrowing of the colon.
If you experience a change in your bowel habits, your doctor may order a barium enema to help evaluate your symptoms. For example, a barium enema may be necessary to explain symptoms such as diarrhoea, blood in the stool, or abdominal pain.
How often should the test be performed?
Colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Canada. Most medical experts recommend that tests be done every 5 to 10 years in healthy people over the age of 50 to screen for colorectal cancer. Barium enemas may be done earlier or more frequently if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or have had a previous precancerous polyp.
What happens during the test?
Before the test, you will receive special instructions and medicines to clean out your colon. When you arrive for your exam, you will change into a hospital gown and get onto the X-ray table.
The technologist will then gently place a small, well-lubricated tube into your rectum. From there, the radiologist will begin the exam by inserting barium through the tube. Throughout the examination, you will be asked to tightly contract your anal muscles to ensure that the rectal tube stays in place and to prevent the barium from leaking. You may have a feeling of fullness, discomfort in your abdomen (cramping), and an urge to defecate while the barium is in place. This is normal. Take slow deep breaths to help ease the discomfort.
After the barium fills your colon, air will be slowly injected to inflate the colon. The radiologist and technologist will then take pictures of your colon. After the images have been taken, the rectal tube will be removed and you will be able to go to the bathroom to expel the barium from your bowels. Some additional pictures may be taken after you expel the barium. The examination can take between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what the radiologist is looking for.
Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital or clinic.
Are there any risks or precautions?
You should not undergo a barium enema if you have a rapid heart rate, severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon, or a presumed perforation of the intestine. The barium enema does involve some radiation exposure.
The standardized techniques used by the radiologist and radiation technologist minimize your exposure to radiation.
Notify the radiology staff and the doctor who ordered your test if you are allergic to barium or latex, have recently had a barium swallow procedure, or are or may be pregnant. Radiation exposure can harm a fetus.
Occasionally, the barium can harden in the colon and cause severe constipation or obstruction. This is a rare complication and it can be prevented by drinking extra fluids after the test and taking a laxative or enema if necessary. Rarely, barium granulomas (inflamed areas of the colon) can form.
Very rarely, the colon may be perforated during a barium enema and the contents of the colon may spill into the intestinal cavity. This complication can be treated with surgery and antibiotics.
What can I expect after the test?
Drink plenty of fluids after the test to clear the barium from your colon and counteract the dehydrating effects of the bowel preparation. You may have lightly coloured stools for up to three days after the test. You may also feel very tired after the test, so get plenty of rest.
Results
The radiologist will interpret your X-rays and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor can then share the results with you. Test results are usually available after a few days.
