If you have been referred for a fluoroscopy or interventional radiology procedure, you will be offered an appointment at either Frimley Park Hospital or Wexham Park Hospital, based on your location and the earliest availability. Your procedure will be performed by either a consultant radiologist (doctor specialising in medical imaging) or a specially trained radiographer (depending on the type of procedure being performed). Some procedures require a team of staff to be present, including nursing staff also. 

Fluoroscopy, or interventional radiology, is a specialised type of procedure that uses x-rays to show a continuous moving image on the monitor. This gives us the opportunity to do functional tests. It uses x-ray dye (contrast medium) to show a particular organ or system in the body, for example, showing us someone’s upper gastro-intestinal tract (throat, food pipe and stomach) so we can assess their swallowing ability. 

Most procedures take 15 to 60 minutes, but it depends what procedure you are having done, and some of our procedures do take longer than this. This will be mentioned in your appointment letter or phone call you receive when your appointment is booked. 

The procedures performed in fluoroscopy and interventional radiology are varied and require different preparation. Please refer to your appointment letter, or the relevant procedure information leaflet below for further information about any necessary preparation, what to expect, and any associated risks or side effects related to your procedure. 

The results will go back to your referring team within 10 working days. 

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