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Services > General And Colour Doppler Ultrasound | Fluoroscopy | Echocardiography | Interventional Procedures | X-Ray >> Diagnostic X-Ray > General X-Ray Examination

Diagnostice X-Ray


Offered at all of our radiology clinics, x-ray procedures are used to evaluate organs and structures within the body.

A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in x-rays. One of our radiologists will interpret your x-rays and report the results to your  doctor, who in turn will discuss them with you. A barium enema is an x-ray examination of the lower intestine or colon. An enema of barium is given to the patient by the technologist and the radiologist.

Colon - Single Contrast Barium Enema

As the barium flows into the colon, x-ray images will be taken with the fluoroscope and viewed on the monitor by the radiologist. When the entire lower intestine has been imaged the technologist will take several more films. Once the radiologist has viewed the images, the barium is drained from the patient.
 

Esophagus, Stomach & Duodenum and Small Bowel Follow-Through

A group of procedures used to detect and follow the progress of some disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients drink liquid barium, which helps the radiologist to visualize parts of their digestive tracts. Barium coats the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of small intestine) and makes them show up more clearly on x-rays. Using a machine called a fluoroscope, the radiologist can watch the digestive system function as the barium moves through it. As the barium moves into the small intestine, the radiologist can take x-rays of it as well. The procedure is often enhanced by having the patient consume materials called 'fizzies' that cause gas that acts as an additional contrast agent. The exam takes about 15 minutes.

Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCU)

This is an X-ray examination of the bladder and the urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside). The radiologist will insert a catheter into the bladder through the urethra. A contrast medium is introduced through the catheter into the bladder to improve visualization. The radiologist and technologist will take x-ray images in various positions with the bladder full of contrast and while the bladder is being emptied. The exam takes about 30  minutes.

Hysterosalpingogram

This is an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes which are visualized following injection of contrast. The picture will reveal any abnormalities of the uterus as well as tubal problems such as blockage and dilatation.

This procedure must be booked within 10 days of the onset of a patient's menstrual period.

Arthrogram

Arthrography is a procedure involving multiple x-rays of a joint using a fluoroscope, or a special piece of x-ray equipment which shows an immediate x-ray image. The radiologist uses a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then a contrast medium is injected into the joint space using a long needle. The joint will be moved to take x-rays from different angles. The exam lasts 30-45 minutes.

No special preparation instructions. Heavy use of affected joint should be avoided for 24-48 hours after procedure.

Joint Injections

Joint injections are a treatment that can be performed in our offices. The joints most commonly injected are sacroiliac (lower back), hips, shoulders ankles and wrists. Your physician will write a prescription for the medication he/she wants injected into the joint. The patient is responsible for bringing the medication to the appointment.

The area to be injected will be thoroughly cleaned, then the radiologist will numb the skin with a local anaesthetic. Using the fluoroscope to guide him, the needle will be placed in the joint space and the medication injected. After the procedure, normal activities may be resumed.