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[The examination pattern at an x-ray department over a 25 year period]
1Røntgenavdelingen, Buskerud sentralsykehus, Drammen.
Insights
Radiology practices have shifted significantly over 25 years. While basic X-rays remain stable, advanced imaging and non-radiological methods have replaced older contrast studies.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Procedures
Context:
- Analysis of examination patterns at Buskerud sentralsykehus over 25 years.
- Identifies shifts in the utilization of various radiological and non-radiological diagnostic methods.
Purpose:
- To document and analyze changes in the types and frequency of examinations performed in a hospital radiology department.
- To identify factors contributing to the observed shifts in examination patterns.
Summary:
- Heart, lung, and skeleton X-rays show stable examination numbers (71-79% of total).
- Significant decline observed in contrast medium examinations (gallbladder, gastroduodenal, intravenous pyelography).
- Air-encephalography and arthrography have largely disappeared as X-ray procedures.
Impact:
- Highlights the impact of new technologies like computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography.
- Suggests that advancements in non-radiological techniques (gastroscopy, arthroscopy) and evolving disease patterns influence diagnostic choices.
Abstract:
The pattern of examinations at the x-ray department of Buskerud sentralsykehus has changed over the last 25 years. Heart- lung- and skeleton examinations remain unchanged, and represent 71 to 79% of the total number, but there has been a marked charge in other examinations. Through the years there has been a marked decline in the number of "classical" contrast medium examinations of gallbladder/gall-paths, gastroduodenal examinations and intravenous pyelography. Air-encephalography has disappeared, and arthrography is about to disappear as an x-ray examination. New methods, such as computer-tomography and ultrasonography and non-radiological examinations, such as gastroscopy and arthroscopy, seem to be the main reason for this change, but other factors, such as change in disease patterns and therapeutic procedures may also have contributed.