BARIUM

SWALLOW /
ESOPHAGRAM
 DEFINITION
• Radiographic
examination of pharynx
& esophagus
• Utilizing radiopaque
contrast media (barium
sulfate)
• With guidance of
fluoroscopic unit
 INDICATIONS
• Dysphagia • Barrett’s
• Assessment of esophagus
TOF • Carcinoma of
(tracheo-
esophagus
oesophageal
fistulae) • FB
• Assessment of • Esophageal reflux
perforated region
• Zenker’s
diverticulum
CONTRAINDICATIONS
• No major contraindications
• Sensitivity to BaSO4 /
water soluble CM
CONTRAST MEDIA
• Barium sulfate
• Amount: 100ml
OR
• Gastrografin
• Amount: 20 ml
(gastrografin) added
with 80 ml saline =
100ml
 EQUIPMENT
• Fluoroscopy unit
• 24 X 30 cm cassette
• Small cup, straw
• Positive contrast
media :barium sulfate
/ gastrografin
PATIENT PREPARATIONS
• Fasting a day before
examination / at least 6hrs
before examination
• No smoking on the
examination’s day (smoking
can increase gastric motality)
• No allergic reaction to any
pharmacolgical esp. Buscopan
• Check for LMP (female)
• Ensure pt is not pregnant
 FILMS
PRELIMINARY FILM DURING
PROCEDURE FILM
• AP/PA ROI
(oesophagus) • R lateral
• RAO
• PA
• LAO (special)
 TECHNIQUE
• Pt is positioned in erect, RAO
(project esophagus away
from spine)
• Pt is advised to follow the
instruction/order given by
radiologist
• Pt is ask to drink a small cup
of barium sulfate & keep the
barium inside his/her mouth
• Then, radiologist ordered pt
to swallow the barium & pt
followed the order
• Spot films are taken
COMPLICATIONS
• Leakage of barium
sulfate in cases of
suspected perforated
• Aspiration of barium
sulfate