a radiological technique used to assess the anatomy and function of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The patient swallows radiopaque contrast (barium sulphate), which coats the mucosal surfaces of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The descent of the barium is charted by a series of radiographs. Gas-forming agents (such as sodium bicarbonate) may be given to aid gastric distension and improve the quality of the images. This can be used to diagnose disorders of oesophageal motor function, tumours, peptic ulcers, hiatus *hernias, and *gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Many indications for this examination have been replaced by the use of an endoscope.
A radio-opaque white powder used in X-ray examinations of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. The barium sulphate may be swallowed to enable the oesophagus, stomach and small and large intestines to be assessed for disorders such as ulceration, tumours, DIVERTICULAR DISEASE and polyps. It may also be inserted into the RECTUM or descending COLON to investigate for possible disease. These procedures are usually done after endoscopy examinations have been carried out.... barium sulphate
a radiological technique used to diagnose conditions of the large bowel using the combination of X-ray imaging and radiopaque contrast (barium sulphate). Prior bowel cleansing is usually required with a colonic cleansing preparation. A large-bore tube with a balloon is inserted into the rectum and through this the barium is delivered to the caecum. The balloon is inflated in the rectum to prevent leakage of barium outside. In *double contrast studies, air is passed through the catheter to distend the colon. A series of radiographs are taken after barium has coated the colon, and the patient may be asked to change position to ensure that the whole bowel is delineated. Barium enema is used to identify colonic polyps, colorectal cancer, and diverticular disease. However, its role has been largely taken over by *colonoscopy which enables additional mucosal sampling and therapeutic intervention.... barium enema
(barium follow-through) a technique for examining the small bowel, often used when small-bowel enema is not tolerated. The patient swallows dilute *barium sulphate suspension and then a series of abdominal radiographs are taken. A complete examination occurs when contrast reaches the first part of the large bowel (caecum). This technique is particularly useful for investigating small-bowel *Crohn’s disease.... small-bowel meal
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