Special Procedures performed by using
X-rays
1. Barium Study
They are a series of radiographs of your esophagus(food pipe), stomach and intestines obtained using Barium as the dye or contrast. Barium X-rays (also called upper and lower GI series) are used to diagnose abnormalities of the GI tract, such as tumors, polyps, hernias and strictures.
There Are Three Types Of Barium X-ray Procedures:
2. IVP or IVU (Intravenous Pyelogram or Urogram)
An Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) or Intravenous urogram ( IVU ) is a special X-Ray examination of the Kidneys, Bladder & Ureters to look for stones and their complications on the kidneys.
3. MCUG (Micturating Cystourethrogram)
A Micturating Cysto-Urethrogram (MCUG) is a special type of X-ray test that looks inside your baby’s or child’s body while he or she is passing urine. Both ‘micturating and ‘voiding’ means passing urine. The test is performed to find out if the flow of urine goes from the bladder back up to the kidneys instead of out through the urethra. The test also shows how the bladder empties and what the urethra looks like.
4. RGU (Retrograde Urethrogram)
In RGU, contrast/dye is injected into the male urethra, through a soft tube inserted in the tip of the urethra to know its diameter & outline for detecting level and degree of its narrowing or stricture. For injection, a needle is not used, so one should not get frightened by reading the phrase ‘ injection of dye into the penile urethra.
5. HSG (Hysterosalpingography)
Hysterosalpingography, or HSG, is an X-ray test to outline the internal shape of the uterus and show whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.
In HSG, a thin tube is threaded through the vagina and cervix. A substance known as contrast material is injected into the uterus by inserting a cannula/catheter into the cervix through the vagina.
A series of X-rays follows the dye, which appears white on the X-ray, as it moves into the uterus and then into the tubes. If there is an abnormality in the shape of the uterus, it will be outlined.
If the tube is open, the dye gradually fills it. The dye spills into the pelvic cavity, where the body absorbs it.