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The Side Effects of Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is a common imaging procedure used to get a good look at the inside of your body. Fluoroscopes are often used in combination with other technologies depending on which body organ or system is being looked at. These procedures are generally considered safe and often patients have little or no side effects. However, everyone responds differently. If you are concerned about side effects you may experience, talk to your doctor before the procedure.

  1. Features

    • A fluoroscopy is a medical imaging procedure that shows a continuous X-ray image. The image is like watching an X-ray movie. During a fluoroscopy an X-ray beam is passed through your body and the image is shown on a monitor. A fluoroscopy allows doctors to see how a body part moves and to see your body parts in detail.

    Benefits

    • Most doctors agree that the benefits of this procedure out weight any risk or side effects. The information gained from fluoroscopy can be crucial to properly diagnose your condition. Fluoroscopes are used to help doctors see your skeletal, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems. When used in combination with contrast dye or barium, these images will give your doctors a good look at your how your body moves the dye.

    General Risks

    • Fluoroscopes have the same risks as other types of X-rays. Risks from exposures to radiation vary because the dose of the radiation depends on the individual and the procedure. Some people may be allergic to the dye used in certain fluoroscopes. If this is the case, make sure to inform you doctor. Sometimes the procedure can be done without the dye. If the dye is necessary, your doctor can take precautions to avoid or lessen a reaction.

    Major Side Effects

    • Two major side effects are associated with a fluoroscopy. One is radiation-induced injuries to the skin or underlying tissue. As the radiation beam passes through your skin and tissue it can cause minor burns. Since the dose of radiation should be tailored to you specifically, if you get burns they should be minor. The second side effect is the small possibility of developing radiation-induced cancer at some time later in life. This is not always a large enough risk to avoid a fluoroscopy.

    Recovery

    • Some procedures that use a fluoroscopy require longer recovery times than others. A cardiac cauterization involves a tube being inserted into the vein in your groin. Recovery for this procedure includes remaining immobile for hours after the procedure is completed. If you are given a barium solution you may experience side effects well after you leave the doctor's office. Barium can cause constipation or a dark stool. These side effects can continue for a day or so after your procedure.

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