fluoroscopy is a continuous x-ray (think of it as an x-ray video). doctors use fluoroscopy to see inside the body in real-time during medical procedures. fluoroscopy machines vary in shape and size but they are usually quite large. as during a regular x-ray two plates are positioned in front and back of the person. the one in front is moveable and is positioned in front of the appropriate body area. during the procedure the doctor periodically activates the fluoroscopy machine and live x-ray images are displayed on a video screen. fluoroscopy delivers radiation to the body. the radiation risk from fluoroscopy is low. although fluoroscopy theoretically can increase the risk for cancer later in life the risk of not doing the appropriate procedure must be considered as well. the national cancer institute states that the benefits of properly performed fluoroscopy almost always outweigh the radiation risk to an individual.
what is fluoroscopy?