At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, we offer barium swallow procedures to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. Our experienced radiologists and advanced imaging technology ensure accurate and comprehensive assessments, leading to timely diagnosis and treatment planning.

Procedure:

• Preparation: Before the procedure, patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours to ensure optimal imaging results. It’s essential to inform the healthcare team about any allergies or medical conditions before the test.
• Barium Ingestion: During the barium swallow, patients swallow a contrast medium called barium, which coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and sometimes the small intestine. Barium is a white, chalky substance that enhances the visibility of these structures on X-ray images.
• Imaging: After ingesting the barium, X-ray images (fluoroscopy) are taken while the patient swallows liquid barium in various positions. The radiologist observes the movement of the barium through the esophagus and evaluates the anatomy and function of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Dynamic Evaluation: Barium swallow allows for a dynamic evaluation of swallowing function, identifying any abnormalities such as strictures, masses, motility disorders, or gastroesophageal reflux.

Benefits:

• Non-Invasive: Barium swallow is a non-invasive procedure that does not require sedation or anesthesia, making it suitable for patients of all ages.
• Comprehensive Assessment: Barium swallow provides detailed images of the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as hiatal hernias, esophageal strictures, tumors, or swallowing disorders.
• Real-Time Imaging: Fluoroscopic imaging during the procedure allows for real-time visualization of the barium’s passage through the gastrointestinal tract, providing valuable insights into functional abnormalities.
• Risk Assessment: PFTs help assess the risk of perioperative complications in patients undergoing surgery, guide preoperative optimization, and enhance perioperative management decisions.

Diagnostic Applications:

• Esophageal Disorders: Barium swallow helps diagnose esophageal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal strictures, achalasia, or esophageal motility disorders.
• Swallowing Disorders: It is used to evaluate swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) caused by structural abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, or functional impairment.
• Hiatal Hernia: Barium swallow can detect hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the diaphragm opening.

 

Is barium swallow safe?

Barium swallow is generally considered safe, with minimal risk of complications. However, patients should inform the healthcare team of any allergies or medical conditions before the procedure.

 

How long does a barium swallow take?

The barium swallow procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, including preparation and imaging. Patients may need to remain still during the imaging process to obtain clear pictures.

 

Can I eat or drink after a barium swallow?

After the procedure, patients may resume their regular diet and activities unless instructed otherwise by the healthcare provider. It’s essential to stay hydrated to help eliminate the barium from the digestive system.

 

What can barium swallow diagnose?

Barium swallow is used to diagnose various conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, including esophageal disorders, swallowing difficulties, hiatal hernias, and structural abnormalities.

 

Are there any risks associated with barium swallow?

While barium swallow is generally safe, rare complications may include allergic reactions, aspiration of barium, or bowel obstruction. The healthcare team will discuss any potential risks and benefits of the procedure with you beforehand.