Professional Documents
Culture Documents
UGIS Radiology
UGIS Radiology
Barium Swallow
is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the
upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically
the pharynx (back of mouth and throat) and
the esophagus (a hollow tube of muscle
extending from below the tongue to the
stomach).
Indications
high or lowdysphagia
gastro-oesophageal
reflux disease (GORD/GERD)
assessment of ahiatus hernia
generalised epigastric pain
globus hystericus
persistent vomiting
assessment of fistula
inability to pass the endoscope during UGIE
Contraindications
Water-soluble contrast agents should be used instead
of barium in the following cases:
suspected perforation
Patients with evidence of bowel obstruction
suspected tracheo-oesophageal or bronchooesophageal fistula
post-operative assessment for leak
Caution should be exercised when using water-soluble
contrast agents in patients with a risk for aspiration.
Aspiration of high-osmolarity water-soluble contrast
agents has been associated with massive pulmonary
oedema and subsequent death. A low osmolarity agent
such as Omnipaque may be used in this setting.
Potential complications
Barium-induced fecal impaction
Abnormal findings
Barium Enema
Consists of a series of x-rays visualizing
the colon.
Used to demonstrate the presence and
location of polyps, tumors, and diverticula.
Anatomic abnormalities also can be
detected.
Therapeutically, the BE may be used to
reduce nonstrangulated ileocolic
intussusception in children.
Contraindications
Patients suspected of a perforation of colon
Patients who are unable to cooperate
Patients with Megacolon
Potential Complications
Colonic perforation, especially when the colon is
weakened by inflammation, tumor or infection.
Barium fecal impaction
Interfering factors
Barium within the abdomen from previous
barium tests
Significant residual stool within the colon
precludes adequate visualization of the
entire bowel wall. Stool may be confused
with polyps.
Spasm of the colon can mimic the
radiographic signs of a cancer.
Abnormal Findings
Malignant tumor
Polyps
Diverticula
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Colonic stenosis
Perforated colon
Colonic fistula
Appendicitis
Extrinsic compression of the colon from extracolonic tumors
Malrotation of the gut
Colon volvulus
Intususception
Hernia