Barium swallow / meal
What is a barium swallow/meal?
A barium swallow/meal examines the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. The barium coats the walls of the upper digestive tract so that it may be examined under an x-ray. Barium swallows/meals identify abnormalities such as tumours, ulcers, hernias, pouches, reflux, strictures and swallowing difficulties. The study may be continued until barium can be seen entering the small bowel, which is then known as a barium follow-through.
What preparation is needed?
Usually, a barium swallow or barium meal can be performed on an outpatient basis. You should not eat or drink anything from midnight the night before the examination. If you are a woman of childbearing age and there is a possibility that you might be pregnant, be sure to inform us before you start the examination.
What is the examination like?
The radiographer will explain the procedure to you before the examination. Please feel free to ask any questions.
You will then be asked to swallow effervescent crystals (Eno) to distend the oesophagus and then sips of barium contrast. It is important not to belch, as the gas assists the radiologist in evaluation. You will remain standing behind a machine called a fluoroscope (a device that shows an X-ray image immediately). You may be asked to move in different positions and to hold your breath while the X-rays are taken.
In some instances, water-soluble contrast media will be used instead of barium.
What are the possible complications?
A barium swallow/meal is a relatively safe procedure with rare complications like constipation, inhalation into the lungs causing pulmonary oedema, and leakage into the abdomen causing peritonitis.
What do you need to do after the procedure?
Barium may cause constipation following the examination. You should drink plenty of fluids and eat fibre-rich foods to expel it from your body.
What about the result?
Once the examination is completed, the X-rays will be studied by the radiologist and compared to any previous X-rays of the same area. A typed report of the findings will be completed and forwarded to your physician. Please contact your physician for the results.
PATIENT PREPARATION FOR BARIUM SWALLOW AND BARIUM MEAL:
0 - <6 years - NPO 3 hours before
6 - <10 years - NPO 4 hours before
>11 years – Nothing to eat or drink from 22h00 the previous night.