Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is used to provide moving picture X-rays which are shown on a monitor. Like normal X-rays it delivers a dose of ionizing radiation to the patient and so must only be used when the benefits to the patient outweigh the risk of developing cancer due to the radiation. Modern fluoroscopy is performed with devices called image intensifiers which provide acceptable images at relatively low doses of radiation. It is a technique widely used by doctors in various setting including:

• Barium enemas and barium meals to investigate the gastrointestinal tract.
• Orthopaedic surgery to guide fracture reduction and the placement of metalwork.
• Angiography of the leg, heart and cerebral vessels.
• Urological surgery - particularly in retrograde pyelography .

Recent advances include the digitization of the images captured and flat-panel detector systems which reduce the radiation dose to the patient still further.