Heartiest of congratulations to Dr. David DiSantis of Mayo Clinic Jacksonville on garnering Best Overall Scientific Program Oral Presentation Abstract at ARRS 2026. “GI Fluoroscopy: What Are We Still Doing?” provides a data-driven roadmap for modernizing trainee education.
Venue Change: Despite the rise of cross-sectional imaging, GI fluoroscopy remains a pillar of clinical practice—with >2.2 million procedures performed nationwide annually. However, where these procedures happen is changing.
By the Numbers: Using 2023 Medicare data, DiSantis et al. revealed a massive disparity in procedure volumes as you move down the alimentary canal:
- Swallowing studies: 1,085,826
- Esophagrams: 551,897
- Upper GI: 409,174
- Small bowel: 152,967
- Contrast enemas: 74,445 (Double contrast study considered “moribund” with only 15,302 performed).
Above the Diaphragm: >1.6 million fluoroscopic procedures are concentrated in swallowing studies and esophagrams. To ensure rads-in-training provide useful interpretations in real-world practice, residency programs must shift their emphasis to areas “above the diaphragm.”
RadFYI: Training must follow the volume. This award-winning research proves that mastering the upper GI tract is the most critical skill set for the modern rad performing fluoroscopy.
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