X-ray examinations

Discovered by the German physicist W.C. Röntgen in 1895 in Würzburg, named after him, the X-rays are generated in a special tube. They are capable of penetrating the human body. In doing so, they are attenuated to a different extent depending on the thickness and the density of the region to be examined (e. g. bones, lungs, abdomen).
The rays leaving the body as an attenuation profile then create a two-dimensional image on the X-ray film.
Due to the modern equipment technology, the radiation exposure during X-ray examinations could be constantly reduced.
The quality of the X-ray units is subject to an extremely strict, close-meshed statutory control. The reasonable application of X-rays is also regulated by the statutory Radiation Protection and X-ray Ordinance.

Due to the modern imaging methods, e.g. ultrasonic examination, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and the possibility of endoscopic clarification of gastrointestinal diseases, X-ray diagnostics has lost significance with respect to diseases of the biliary tract and the gastrointestinal region.
It is, however, still an important basic examination method for the clarification of pulmonary, renal, bone or articular diseases.

As a matter of principle, an X-ray examination can be carried out on any patient. Because of the radiation exposure, the absolute imperativeness of the examination has to be ensured during pregnancy.

During examinations of the gall-bladder at the kidneys, usually a contrast medium has to be injected into the arm vein. In doing so, hypersensitivity reactions may occasionally occur, e.g. slight nausea, skin reddening or itching. Severe allergic reactions, e.g. circulatory distress, occur extremely rarely due to the use of modern contrast media. If an allergy against contrast media is known, please inform us about it so that we can take the appropriate precautionary measures.

During the examination of the kidneys, you should not have a "full stomach"; however, light food some time prior to the examination is permitted.
The X-ray imaging of the stomach or the gall-bladder should be conducted in the morning on an empty stomach (eating, drinking or smoking not permitted).
In case of examinations of the small or large intestines, a diet over two days have to be kept to as a preparatory measure. You will receive more information on this upon appointment scheduling.

Depending on the clinical problem, the whole examination takes approx. 5 to 15 minutes.
When imaging the kidneys or the biliary tract, several images are created at different points in time so that the examination including breaks takes up to one hour.
It is usually possible to immediately take the images and the findings with you; however, an additional period of 30 minutes is required for the evaluation by the physician and the completion in the typing pool.

Medical reports or images of previous examinations (e.g. X-ray or ultrasonic examination) may be useful for evaluation or comparison and should be brought along, if possible.

The X-ray image is often sufficient to determine the medical problem. In some cases, however, further supplemental examinations, e.g. computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scintigraphy or ultrasonic examination may be required.