Disadvantages Uses radiation. Limited information regarding soft tissues Can't distinguish between soft tissues of similar consistency very well. Examples Barium enema Barium swallow Real-time visualization can see inside of gut, etc. Advantages Real-time visualization can see inside of gut, etc. Relatively inexpensive Disadvantages Can accumulate significant radiation exposures for patient and doctors Angiography Patient lies on a table .
Advantages Allows specific evaluation of blood vessels to be performed.
Therapeutic procedures can be done, making surgery unnecessary. Disadvantages Can develop hefty radiation doses for doctor and patient. May experience nephrotoxicity to contrast. Blood product exposure. Invasive procedure with risks of bleeding and infection for patient.