Barium swallow

Overview
A barium swallow is a medical imaging procedure used to examine the upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract, which includes the oesophagus and, to a lesser extent, the stomach.

Principle
Barium sulphate is a type of Contrast medium that is visible to x-rays. As the patient swallows the Barium suspension, it coats the oesphagus with a thin layer of the barium. This enables the hollow structure to be imaged.

Examination
The patient is asked to drink a suspension of barium sulfate. Fluoroscopy images are taken as the barium is swallowed. This is typically at a rate of 2 or 3 frames pers second. The patient is asked to swallow the Barium a number of times, whilst standing in different positions, i.e. AP, oblique and lateral, to assess the 3D structure as best possible.

Pathology
Pathologies detected on a Barium Swallow include:


 * Achalasia
 * Oesophageal pouch
 * Cancer of oesophagus
 * Tracheoesophageal fistula
 * Schatzki ring
 * Reflux
 * Zenker's diverticulum
 * Hiatus hernia