Department of
Radiology
Whinney Heys Road
FY3 8NR Blackpool
Lancashire
Tel: 01253 6635
Fax: 01253 306621
Head of Department
Dr. Roger Bury
Telephone: 01253 903615
Fax: 01253 909999
Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Ultrasound
01253 306645
Nuclear Medicine
01253 303919
CT/MR Scanning
01253 306619
Barium/Fluoroscopy
01253 303545
Mammography
01253 306984
Fleetwood Hospital
X-ray & Fluoroscopy
01253 306004
Ultrasound
01253 303146
Clifton Hospital
X-ray
01253 657010
Ultrasound
01253 306645
Information for Patients
Fluoroscopy - Cholangiogram
Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures--similar to an X-ray "movie." A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined. The beam is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. Fluoroscopy, as an imaging tool, enables physicians to look at many body systems, including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
A cholangiogram is a special x-ray procedure that is done with contrast dye to visualise the bile ducts. The bile ducts drain bile from the liver into the duodenum (first part of the small bowel).
This examination will demonstrate the bile duct and its branches to see if there are gallstones or tumour present.
In the procedure, the contrast medium is injected into the body and a series of x-rays are taken to reveal any abnormalities.
Please follow the instructions on your appointment letter carefully. Each examination has a different preparation, instructions of which will be sent to you.
The investigation involves exposure to x-rays. X-rays consist of a type of radiation known as ionising radiation. The doses that are used in medical x-rays are very low and the associated risks are minimal. We keep the doses as low as possible and make sure that the benefits of having the x-ray outweigh any risk.
Furthermore, the contrast dye that is often used contains iodine, which some people are allergic to. If you have had an allergic reaction to x-ray contrast in the past of if you have a known allergy to iodine, please let us know.
Also, x-rays can be harmful for an unborn baby and should be avoided by women who are or who may be pregnant. It is recommended that the examination is performed within 10 days of the first day of the onset of your menstrual period.
When you arrive, report to X-ray Central Reception (Area 4) or X-ray North. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove jewellery, dentures, glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images. You will then be called into the x-ray room and, depending on the procedure you are receiving, asked to either lie on the x-ray table or stand in front of it
The examination takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
The results of your examination will not be given to you on the same day. To receive these results you will need an appointment see either the consultant who referred you, or your own GP. You will be told after the examination which of these doctors you need to see.
