Here are a few of the radiography procedures which are offered through Skagit Radiology:

• Barium swallow, esophagram, and upper gastrointestinal examinations:
  During these procedures, the patient drinks oral contrast (usually barium) and the swallowing mechanism, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are evaluated using real time fluoroscopic imaging and static images.
  These procedures are commonly performed for evaluation of eating problems, gastro-esophageal reflux
  disease, blood in the stool (melena or hematochezia) and for peptic ulcer disease.

  For more information about these procedures, visit: www.radiologyinfo.org

• Small bowel follow through examination:
  During this procedure, the patient drinks oral contrast (barium) and the small bowel (jejunum and ileum) is evaluated with real time fluoroscopic imaging and static imaging. This procedure is commonly performed for evaluation of blood in the stool (melena or hematochezia), diarrhea, and irritable bowel desease.

• Barium enema:
  This procedure involves the instillation of barium and air into the colon, and is used to evaluate for blood
  in the stool (melena or hematochezia, diverticulosis, colon carcinoma, and irritable bowel disease.

  For more information, visit: www.radiologyinfo.org

• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP):
  Most commonly performed in conjunction with computed tomography (ct-ivp), this procedure is designed
  for evaluation of the urinary tract. Intravenous contrast (dye) is injected into a vein, and images of the urinary tract is then performed with a combination of ct and plain film imaging.

  For more information, visit: www.radiologyinfo.org

• Lumbar puncture:
  During this procedure, a radiologist uses fluoroscopy to guide the placement of a small needle into the fluid surrounding the nerves and spinal cord to obtain a sample for diagnostic purposes. This procedure has a
  low complication rate. Risks of the procedure include headache, infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.

• Myelography:
  Usually performed in conjunction with ct (ct-myelogram)This procedure involves placement of a needle into
  the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. Contrast (dye) is then injected through this needle,
  which allows visualization of the spinal cord and nerve roots. This procedure has a low complication rate.
  Risks of the procedure include headache, infection, bleeding, nerve damage, allergic reaction to contrast, and rarely, seizure.

  For more information, visit: www.radiologyinfo.org

• Arthrography:
  This procedure is usually performed in conjunction with ct (ct-arthrogram) or mri (mri arthrogram), and is
  used to study various joints of the body, most commonly the shoulder, wrist, and elbow. During this procedure,
  a small needle is advanced into the joint, and contrast (dye) is injected, for better evaluation of the joint
  surface. This procedure has a low complication rate. Risks of the procedure include infection, inflammation,
  and bleeding.

  For more information, visit: www.radiologyinfo.org

• Bone Densitometry:
  This examination is performed with the use of x-rays (dexa, or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) or
  ultrasound, and is used to detect osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is associated with reduced bone density, and fractures. Early detection and treatment of osteoporosis can help to prevent fractures.

  For more information, visit: www.radiologyinfo.org