X-Ray Fistulogram Test

A fistulogram is a special x-ray procedure. It uses a form of real-time x-ray called fluoroscopy and a barium-based contrast material to produce images of an abnormal passage within the body called a fistula. It looks at the blood flow in your fistula or graft (dialysis access). This procedure can check to see if it is blocked or if there is any narrowing (stenosis).

Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 am) before your procedure. Get your blood tests done 7 days before your procedure date. Tell your doctor if you are taking any anticoagulants such as Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin (Warfarin), etc. You must have someone take you home after your procedure, or your procedure will be cancelled. You can’t go home by yourself, even in a taxi or Wheel Trans. Bring all of your medicines and a list of all of your medicines with you to your procedure.

Fistulas usually involve hollow organs like the intestines, bladder, urethra and vagina. They often form as a result of infection or inflammation related to surgery, injury or radiation therapy. The procedure mentioned above helps to diagnose fistulas Fistulograms are used to assess deliberately created fistulas in people receiving kidney dialysis. Fistulograms are used to assess many types of fistulas, including those that form between: two loops of intestine, the anal canal and skin near the anus, the vagina and another body part such as the colon, rectum, small intestine or bladder.

You are asked to lie on a table with machines all around you. They connect you to a monitor that shows your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level. The nurses may give you oxygen and medicine to help you relax. The doctor places your fistula or graft arm out on a small table and cleans your skin and injects some medicine to numb the area Once your skin is numb, your doctor places a tiny catheter (tube) in your fistula or graft. This tube is similar to the needle used during dialysis. The doctor then injects contrast dye into the tube, so they can see what is happening to your fistula or graft on x-rays. When the procedure is done, your doctor removes the tube.You may get 1 or 2 stitches at the puncture site.