FLUOROSCOPY

For colon examination, a barium enema is performed and air pumped in after to allow distension and double-contrast images.

Generally, patient preparation for upper GIT procedures requires up to 12 hours fasting while preparation for barium enema necessitates colon evacuation using laxatives and possibly an over-the-counter cleansing enema.

Fluoroscopic procedures are minimally invasive and complications are rare. Risks include barium retention with GIT obstruction and leakage from an undetected GIT perforation, causing inflammation or infection in surrounding tissues.

Absorbed radiation dose varies from around 2 milli-Sievert (mSv) for an upper GIT procedure to 4 mSv for a barium enema, the same average dose received from natural background radiation over an 8 to 16 month period. As with x-rays, female patients who may be pregnant must inform their doctor and the examining radiologist/radiographer.