Flouroscopy
Fluoroscopic examinations can be used to visualize functional processes with the aid of X-rays. Usually, a contrast medium is used to make structures and organs visible.
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Examination
So-called functional examinations, which are performed with the fluoroscopy unit, are suitable for more detailed imaging of organs such as the esophagus, gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract.
An X-ray protection will be placed on your child to protect the organs that are not to be examined. If you wish, you as parents can remain in the examination room during the examination. We will provide you with an X-ray apron for this purpose. Unfortunately, we cannot allow pregnant accompanying persons to enter the examination room during the examination.
Below you will find more information about the different types of fluoroscopy examinations.
Mictioncysturethrography (MCU)
This examination is used to clarify pathologies in the genitourinary tract, usually if there have been abnormalities of the kidneys in previous ultrasound examinations or if your child suffers from recurrent kidney and urinary tract infections. Typical questions include the presence of vesicoureterorenal reflux (VUR) or urethral valves in boys.
To begin the examination, a urinary bladder catheter is first inserted via the urethra, through which a contrast medium is then applied. Fluoroscopic images are then taken in the supine position, in the right-sided position and during miction to check how the contrast medium is distributed in the urinary tract. The catheter is removed during the examination.
An MCU usually takes about 30 minutes, including preparations.
No special preparation of your child for the examination is necessary. If the examination is performed under a short anesthesia, your child must appear fasting on the day of the examination, in which case you will receive a separate preparatory consultation.
Fluoroscopic Swallowing Exam
The esophagus is visualized during the fluoroscopic swallowing exam. Typical questions are, for example, constrictions, movement disorders, disorders during the swallowing act such as achalasia, diverticula or injuries to the esophagus. During the examination, a radiopaque contrast medium is applied or drunk under fluoroscopy and the passage through the esophagus is observed. In newborns and infants, the examination is performed in the supine position, in older children in the standing position. The examination takes only a few minutes. Usually, no special preparation of your child is necessary.
Gastrointestinal Passage Examination
A fluoroscopic examination to assess the gastrointestinal passage is performed to clarify pathologies, e.g. narrowing at the stomach outlet, at the small intestine or in the further course of the intestine. For this purpose, a radiopaque contrast medium is applied or drunk during the examination. By means of fluoroscopy, the passage of the contrast medium through the stomach and its further transport in the intestinal tract can be assessed. The examination, including preparations, takes about 15 minutes. For some questions, additional fluoroscopy or X-ray images may be taken after a waiting period of one to several hours.
Before the examination, your child should come with an empty stomach and should drink only small amounts. Beyond that, no separate preparation is necessary.
Contrast Enema
During colonic contrast enema, the colon is assessed. Typical questions are, for example, constrictions, a so-called Hirschsprung's disease, or the proper patency of the colon before an artificial anus is repositioned. At the beginning of the examination, a radiopaque contrast medium is applied via a rectal catheter. Subsequently, fluoroscopic images of the intestine are taken in the supine and lateral positions. The examination, including preparations, takes about 30 minutes. Usually, no special preparation of your child is necessary.