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Fistulography is an X-ray examination of the course of a fistula (fistula) after administering a contrast agent to it. What are the indications for fistulography? How to prepare for this test and how is it going?
Fistulographyis a radiological examination - x-ray - with the use of contrast, which allows you to check how the fistula is going, i.e. from the Latinfistula.
A fistula is a channel that connects deeper organs or tissues to the surface of the skin, or internal organs between them. A fistula may be congenital (resulting from fetal malformations) or acquired as a result of disease, trauma or surgery.
Among acquired fistulas there are the so-called artificial fistulas resulting from surgical intervention. For example, if the end part of the intestine is obstructed, a colon fistula is performed if the faeces are to be drained outside. An artificial fistula is also inserted to perform dialysis procedures with an artificial kidney.
Fistulography: indications
Fistulography is performed in order to determine the exact shape, size, existence of possible cavities and branches of the fistula, and above all, its location in relation to the surrounding organs, before the procedure of its removal. Moreover, thanks to fistulography, it is often possible to determine the cause of a fistula.
Fistulography is performed in the case of fistulas in any location, for example :
- dental fistulas
- skin fistulas
- intestinal fistulas
- perianal fistulas
- vaginal fistulas
- respiratory fistulas
- bone fistula
Fistulography: the course of the study
A patient who comes for the examination should be on an empty stomach. The examination is performed in a treatment room, usually under local anesthesia.
A contrast agent is introduced into the fistula and the site of the injection is blocked so that it does not leak out. After the necessary X-ray images are taken, the agent is removed from the fistula.
Fistulography: contraindications
An absolute contraindication, as in the case of other X-ray examinations, and in the case of fistulography, is pregnancy or its suspicion.
If the patient is allergic to contrast agents, he should inform about itdoctor.
If you experience any sudden symptoms, you should immediately report them to the doctor performing the examination.