Radiographs obtained during upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopy. Adequacy and comparison to postfluoroscopy images

The usefulness of full-size radiographs obtained with the overhead tube following fluoroscopy was evaluated based on an analysis of 306 biphasic upper gastrointestinal studies that included follow-up postfluoroscopy views. In 32 studies with abnormal findings, the postfluoroscopy images were normal. In one case, the postfluoroscopy images revealed an abnormality not seen on spot views. The confidence levels rose in only 19 cases (6.2%) when postfluoroscopy images were used. In the appropriate setting, routine postfluoroscopy views after an upper gastrointestinal series are of little value. Nonetheless, in a teaching hospital, these images should be obtained when fluoroscopy is performed by junior residents.