by Rachel Franklin
Child Life Specialist

Each day, children are scheduled for appointments in Fluoroscopy, a division of diagnostic imaging within LeBonheur Children’s Hospital’s Radiology Department. Procedures in fluoroscopy involve a series of "live" X-Ray images or images "in motion". Images are transmitted to a screen that allows our medical staff to look at the function of various body systems or organs as they are working (as opposed to procedures that result in only stationary or "static" pictures). Common procedures in Fluoroscopy include exams such as upper gastrointestinal imaging (Upper GI) or esophograms, barium enemas, and voiding cystourethrograms.

Important Helpful 'Basics' for Your Fluoroscopy Visit:

Meet your team: Your first stop will be at our Radiology front desk area on the ground floor. These team members are great resources for you if you have any questions as you are arriving for your visit. 

Getting started: Next, you’ll meet our technologists (shown on right). Our child life specialist are also available to meet you and your child to offer procedural preparation, support for coping, assistance in minimizing possible stress and anxiety associated with the procedure, and to promote normalization and comfort for you and your child. 

Teamwork: In fluoroscopy, we believe in the crucial roles of trust and partnership throughout our procedures. We welcome the active involvement of both you and your child in creating the smoothest and most positive experience possible during your visit. 

Helping you focus on your child: We see our patients benefiting from their parents’ or caregivers’ attention and support throughout various phases of the visit. When possible, we encourage you to bring only the child scheduled for the procedure, refraining from bringing additional siblings or young family members to the hospital on the day of your child's procedure. This allows you to focus on your child and give them your uninterrupted attention and support. 

Some parents or caregivers wonder about the following:

Will my child be awake or asleep throughout the procedure? As we will be looking at the function of an organ or body system, it is important for us to be able to watch the natural function as it typically occurs. When your child is awake, we are often able to learn more about your child's situation. In light of this, your child may be awake throughout her procedure. 

Am I allowed to be with my child during the procedure? As familiar and trusted people in a child’s life, we welcome caregivers to be present with their child throughout portions of or the entire procedure, as is safe and appropriate. 

If I can be in the procedure room, would it be okay for me to just watch? How involved can I be with my child? Each child and caregiver may have a different preference for that which makes them feel most comfortable throughout a procedure. As our staff is dedicated to family-centered care, we want to find out about that which feels helpful to you as we complete the procedure as comfortably and appropriately as possible. On the day of your visit, we welcome your partnership and discussion of options for you in supporting your child in direct or indirect ways. 

How long does it take? Each procedure is different. The length of your child’s procedure may vary depending on several factors including the specific exam ordered, you and your child’s familiarity and comfort, your information needs, and your child’s coping style. 

Are there any pinches, pokes, or needles associated with the procedures? In Fluoroscopy, there are no needles! Hooray! 

Can we bring comfort items from home? Yes! Bringing a comfort item is a great idea. Some children enjoy snuggling with their favorite blanket or stuffed animal during the exam. Some enjoy playing with their favorite toy car on the scanning bed. Some children enjoy listening to their favorite music, playing games on an I-Pad or phone, or bringing their favorite DVD to watch on our player! 

Remember, we're here for you! A very important part of our role as staff committed to family-centered care includes our desire to help your child and accompanying family members through your upcoming experience. Ask questions. Share your ideas and insight. We want you to be a true part of our team.