Learning objectives
1.
To review the role of gastrointestinal fluoroscopy procedures in modern oncology.
2.
To establish the diagnostic benefit of using gastrointestinal fluoroscopy procedures in oncology.
Background
Development of modern imaging techniques has led to a substantial decrease in the use of traditional gastrointestinal fluoroscopy.
However,
fluoroscopy of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) as a primary method of detecting and identifying pathologic processes in oncology is sensitive and accurate technique if done by an experienced radiologist.
[1]
We assume that the role of fluoroscopy is currently underestimated and this technique still plays an important role in the evaluation of certain gastrointestinal diseases,
including oncologic patients.
The advantage of this technique is a small...
Findings and procedure details
This contrast-enhanced imaging technique enables visualization of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Technique:
Patient preparation: [2]
upper GI fluoroscopy: 6-8 hours fasting,
avoiding smoking or chewing gum.
lower GI fluoroscopy: 6-8 hours fasting,
using commercially available prepackaged liquid diet.
lower GI fluoroscopy to evaluate the anastomotic disruption after resection and before restoration of bowel continuity: no patient preparation is required.
Contrast agents: [3]
barium sulfate- available in different densities,
it is contradicted if perforation is suspected.
gastrografin- iodine-based,
hypertonic solution,
it is contradicted if...
Conclusion
Nowadays,
gastrointestinal series with fluoroscopy is rarely used as a problem solving technique in oncology patient.
Nevertheless,
in selected patients it still should be regarded as a simple,
noninvasive,
safe and cost-effective technique.
Although the number of fluoroscopy procedures has continued to decline over recent years,
this technique still plays a significant role in the detection of following gastrointestinal abnormalities: gastrointestinal tract stenosis,
gastrointestinal tract lumen narrowing,
gastrointestinal tract lumen dilatation and gastrointestinal tract rigidity.
References
[1]http://www.radiologytutor.com/index.php/cases/gastrointestinal/138-fluorostudies
[2]Nolan DJ.
Barium examination of the small intestine.
Gut.
1981;22(8):682-694.
[3]Widmark JM.
Imaging-related medications: a class overview.
Proceedings (Baylor University Medical Center).
2007;20(4):408-417.
[4]Diederichs G,
e.
(2018).
[Oral administration of intravenous contrast media: a tasty alternative to conventional oral contrast media in computed tomography.
[5]https://www.medicinenet.com/upper_gi_series/article.htm
[6]AuntMinnie.com.
(2018).
Patient positioning techniques for a lower gastrointestinal series.
[online] Available at: http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=55654
[7]Daly,
J.,
Fry,
W.,
Little,
A.,
Winchester,
D.,
McKee,
R.,
Stewart,
A.
and Fremgen,
A.
(2018).
Esophageal cancer: results of an American College of Surgeons...