Digital Fluoroscopy: Frequently Asked Questions

A GI series provides information about the upper gastrointestinal tract that will help diagnose certain diseases or conditions in patients that are experiencing swallowing difficulty, pain, heartburn/reflux, bleeding, anemia, or abdominal distress/discomfort.

Scientific advances allow for better images with lower doses of radiation. We continually upgrade our equipment to provide the latest technology and adhere to a strict monitoring and quality assurance program for all equipment. In Oct 2002 Lenox Hill Radiology installed a state of the art Digital Fluoroscopy unit, which allows us perform fluoroscopy studies using the highest resolution and image quality. It also allows us manipulate the images so repeat exposures to the patient because of images being too dark or to light is a thing of the past. Prior to any exam, please inform the staff if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.

This is a chalky flavored liquid which outlines various parts of the digestive tract on an X-ray. It can be used to study the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. It can be used as an enema to study the large bowel. It is inert and is not absorbed by the body.

There are no side effects to the GI series and or Small Bowel series. You may resume normal activity directly after the exam is completed.

This is a radiographic examination that allows us visualize the large intestine/colon.

A barium enema can provide information about the large intestine or colon that will help diagnose certain diseases or conditions in those patients that are experiencing changes in their bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, pain, anemia or bleeding. A barium enema can also be a valuable screening tool for patients with a family history of colon cancer

When you arrive in the facility the technologist or RPA (radiologist physicians assistant) will ask you some questions regarding your medical history and symptoms. A single abdomen X-Ray will be taken prior to the radiologist beginning the procedure. A radiologist and a technologist will administer the barium rectally through a small catheter. The barium solution will fill the large intestine so that it can be seen on X-ray. The radiologist will watch the images of your intestine on a special X-ray monitor. At times, the radiologist will ask you to change your position or hold your breath so that different views may be taken. Following this, the technologist will take several follow up films of your colon. The examination can be moderately uncomfortable. Some patients experience cramping and bloating.

The enema itself will take about twenty minutes. However, you should allow extra time for preparation and for X-rays of the colon to be taken by the technologist – about one hour in total.

Scientific advances allow for better images with lower doses of radiation. We continually upgrade our equipment to provide the latest technology and adhere to a strict monitoring and quality assurance program for all equipment. In Oct 2002 Lenox Hill Radiology installed a state of the art Digital Fluoroscopy unit which allows us perform fluoroscopy studies using the highest resolution and image quality. It also allows us manipulate the images so repeat exposures to the patient because of images being too dark or to light is a thing of the past.