Fluoroscopy or Barium studies

As with most radiological procedures, there may be preparations that will be required to be done by you. Below are some preparations needed to ensure a successful and smooth fluoroscopy appoinment.

FASTING:
No solid food and smoking are allowed 6 hours prior to the scan.

CONTRAST MEDIA ALLERGIES:
Inform the requesting doctor if you have had radiological dye allegies from previous scans before. An alternative dye may need to be prepared.

DRUG ALLERGIES:
Inform the requesting doctor if you have any prior known drug allergies and if you are on any medication.

PREGNANCY:
Please consult with your doctor if you are uncertain about pregnancy as the procedures will involve radiation.


If you are coming for a Barium Enema, please do the following:

• ​​To start on a low residue diet until the day of examination. Meat, fruits, and leafy vegetables should be avoided. 
• To drink plenty of plain water.

• ​To drink a mixture of 40ml of lemon sweet purgative dissolved in a glass of plain water at 8pm.
• To take 2 tablets of Bisacodyl with plain water at 10pm. 

• ​To insert the Bisacodyl suppository into the rectum at 6am. Let it stay in the rectum between 30 minutes to 1 hour before emptying the bowel. 
• To drink only small quantities of water with any required medication before coming for the scan. 
  

OUTFIT:
You will be required to change into a hospital gown, which will be given before the procedure. Ensure that all metallic objects/ radiopaque items are removed from the neck, chest, and abdomen area before the start of the scan.

PROCEDURE:
Depending on the procedure that you are coming for, you may be lying on the x-ray table or standing throughout the procedure. As Barium studies are largely dependent on many factors, the procedure duration varies from patient to patient.

Contrast media in the form of a barium drink prepared by our staff, will be given to you to ingest at different points of the procedure, as directed by our radiologist. As this is used to highlight the various parts of the gastro-intestinal tract, you may be required to change positions frequently to obtain the best x-ray images that will assist our radiologist in their reporting.

If you are coming for a Barium Meal procedure, in addition to the contrast media drink, you may also be required to swallow some effervescent powder to help better outline the stomach.

If you are coming for a Barium Enema, you will not be drinking the barium drink. Instead, a rectal tube will be inserted and the barium solution will pass through it.

Our trained fluoroscopy radiographer and radiologist will be with you inside the procedure room throughout. Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to approach them. Upon the completion of the study, you will be allowed to change into your clothes.

Our radiologists will review and report your scan images. A small number of patients may be recalled back by the Radiologists after the scan for additional imaging to ensure accuracy of the CT report. The scan results will be sent electronically to your referring clinician who will discuss it with you on your next appointment.

​Our radiologists will review and report your scan images. The scan results will be sent electronically to your referring clinician who will discuss it with you on your next appointment.

Do drink plenty of water and eat more fruits and vegetable to minimize constipation and encourage passing out of remaining barium in the gastrointestinal tract.

It is also common for stools to be stained white from the barium contrast after procedure. This is normal, and should stop after a few days.