Let's start with the answer to the question: "What is the difference between x-ray and fluorography?" I had heard a variety of opinions, but in fact, x-rays are used both there and there. They are distinguished by some technical features. At the same time, radiography (X-ray) allows you to get better quality pictures. Also, with its use, radiation is less. Today we are particularly interested in x-rays of the stomach.
The purpose of applying this method
There are various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract):
- infections
- polyps;
- cramping
- intestinal obstruction ;
- various infections;
- inflammatory processes;
- tumors and other disorders.
A stomach x-ray is a diagnostic test method used to suspect the above diseases or to confirm an earlier diagnosis. With its help, you can determine the localization of the inflammatory focus, tumor, other pathology. This technique has proven itself over the years.
Sometimes patients wonder if an x-ray is harmful? It is not easy to answer unequivocally. But, at least, if necessary, within reasonable limits, it must be done as many times as prescribed by a medical specialist. Perhaps it’s better for pregnant women not to do it, but for children of any age it can be used.
X-ray of the stomach - types
Various methods of radiography are used depending on which part (s) of the gastrointestinal tract to be examined. Commonly used methods are:
- contrasting
- double contrasting.
When conducting an X-ray examination of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, the patient previously drinks a suspension of barium sulfate insoluble in the digestive juices. This water suspension, which is also called "barium porridge", is not absorbed by the stomach and intestines. Absorbing x-rays, such a "mess" creates a contrast, due to which the part necessary for the study is visible on the screen or picture. Any changes in shape are also detected. Accordingly, the diagnosis is determined with high accuracy.
X-ray of the stomach - a way of double contrasting
After the examined patient has taken contrast, air is introduced into the gastrointestinal tract, which makes the contours of the investigated part of the organ more clear. At the same time, air is pumped into the stomach through the mouth opening using a probe. Also, air enters the small intestine. Air is pumped into the rectum and colon through the anus. In order to suppress gastric motility and relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, antispasmodics are administered.
X-ray of the stomach - execution
- Mandatory performed on an empty stomach.
- First, the doctor conducts a preliminary examination by the method of a panoramic radiograph of the abdominal cavity. Thus, various stomach dysfunctions are diagnosed.
- The patient is placed between the screen and the x-ray tube in a special booth.
- Under the supervision of a doctor in small sips, the examinee drinks contrast, the movement and spread of which in the stomach is clearly visible on the screen.
- With a thorough examination, the patient periodically turns around one way or another.
X-ray of the stomach is practically not dangerous
The body is exposed to minor radiation during the study. The contrast itself is absolutely harmless to humans and is excreted from the body without being absorbed. In rare cases, an allergic reaction is possible.
Small intestine - X-ray
Also, with such an examination, you can examine the small intestine on the screen . A radiopaque suspension comes from the stomach directly into it. But usually with such examinations, contrast is introduced using a thin probe directly into the duodenum. In this way, the healthcare professional avoids mixing contrast with the patient's gastric juice and saliva.