Barium Swallow
What is the procedure and how is it performed?
A barium swallow, Also called an upper GI series, is an examination of the esophagus and stomach using barium to coat the walls of the upper digestive tract so that it may be examined under x-ray. Barium swallows are used to identify any abnormalities such as tumors, ulcers, hernias, pouches, strictures, and swallowing difficulties.
Usually, a Barium swallows can be performed on an are usually performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may be advised not to eat or drink after midnight on the night before the examination.
Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, a barium swallow procedure follows this process:
1. The patient is asked to drink barium liquid and to swallow baking soda crystals It is important not to belch, as the gas assists the radiologist in evaluation.
2. The patient remains standing behind an xray machine called a fluoroscope (a devise used for the immediate showing of an x-ray image).
3. The patient may be asked to move in different positions and to holding his/her the breath when asked while the x-rays are taken.
4. If the small intestine is to be examined, the patient may be asked to drink additional barium and a series of x-rays are taken until the barium reaches the colon.
5. Following the examination, barium may cause constipation. The patient may be advised to Drinking plenty of fluids and eating high fiber foods high in fiber to expel the barium may help. from the body.
There is usually no pain involved. associated with the procedure. Tell the doctor or xray technologist if there is a chance that you are pregnant, you should not have the procedure because of the risks of radiation caused by the barium solution.
Why is the procedure performed?
Barium swallows are used to identify any can detect abnormalities such as tumors, ulcers, hernias, pouches, and strictures.
Specific reasons for performing upper GI endoscopy with biopsy procedures may include: the following:
- abdominal pain
- bleeding from the rectum
- blood in the vomit
- bowel movement changes
- chronic diarrhea or constipation
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- unexplained weight loss
- unusual bloating
What should I expect after the procedure is performed?
You should be able to resume your After the procedure: Normal activities and diet can usually be resumed after the procedure. You may also resume your normal diet, and Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to eliminate the radioactive barium solution. from your system.
What are the risks and complications of this procedure?
There are also particular risks associated with the procedure(s) proposed and that these Risks include, but are not limited to:
1. Constipation for a few days after the procedure.
2. Although rare, blockage or obstruction of the bowels can occur.
3. Sometimes you can vomit small amounts of the barium; if this and this can enters the lungs, causing infection or pneumonia can occur.
Please contact our doctor if you have any abdominal pain, bloating, persistent constipation, fever or chills.
Before you agree to any operative procedure it is important to remember that each patient is different and that the outcome of any procedure can never be guaranteed. You should understand that there may be complications that have not been mentioned and that it is not possible to anticipate all complications or to answer each and every question. Again, you should be aware that in the practice of medicine unforeseen and unexpected risks or complications not previously discussed might occur. You should also understand that during the course of the proposed procedure(s), unforeseen conditions may be revealed requiring the performance of additional procedures, and such procedures may need to be performed.
Keep in mind that there is no substitute for an open and honest discussion with your own surgeon/physician regarding this procedure.
You should also be given any available treatment alternatives to this procedure by your doctor. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
Copyright 2008-9, MD Kiosk
