hese are several different examinations, which are considered together because they use the same type of “dye” or contrast medium. The contrast medium commonly used is barium sulphate, although certain situations may necessitate iodine based contrast medium. These examinations look at the different parts of the intestines from the mouth to the rectum. The presence of allergies and asthma does not in any way affect this study unlike with the other types of “dyes” used. The patient needs to fast over night so that the stomach is free from food residue, which could give false findings. Those unable to fast because of acute gastric irritation or is diabetic on regular insulin injection will have to inform the counter clerk at the time of appointment booking so that alternative measures can be sought from the radiologist. The patient is also discouraged from chewing gum or smoking just before the procedure. Once the procedure is over, the patient is advised to drink plenty of fluid. The different examinations are discussed separately.

Usually there is no need to fast before this examination. This examination evaluates the oesophagus or gullet. This is done using X-rays (fluoroscopy), which allow movement of the gullet to be seen. The patient will be required to keep a mouthful of contrast medium, usually barium that is flavoured, and swallow only when instructed to, by the attending radiologist. The radiologist will guide the patient throughout the various imaging positions. By and large, the examination is done in a standing position. 

The swallowed barium is harmless and will be passed out with the normal faeces. White or pinkish stains in the faeces are expected and are no cause for alarm. The patient is advised to drink plenty of fluid.

This examination requires the patient to fast overnight. This examination evaluates the stomach and the duodenum. Duration of the examination is about 20 to 30 minutes. The patient will be required to swallow a few tablets. These tablets release gas, which will distend the stomach prior to swallowing barium. The patient is required to keep the gas within the stomach and not to belch it out. This is to facilitate better visualisation of the stomach. The attending radiologist will guide the patient through the various imaging positions. An injection into a vein in the hand may be given by the radiologist. This serves to relax the smooth muscles in the stomach and minimise stomach contractions. However, patients with abnormal heart rhythms, urinary retention due to enlarged prostate or glaucoma should inform the radiologist as the infection may cause side effects in these conditions. The patient may experience blurring of vision, and if this is still present at the end of the examination, the patient is advised not to drive home or operate any machinery until vision clears. Again, there is no cause for alarm for whitish or pinkish appearance of the faeces.

This examination requires the patient to fast overnight. This examination evaluates the small bowel until the junction with the large bowel called the ileo-caecal junction. The examination may last up to 4 hours. The patient is required to drink a set amount of flavoured barium and films of the abdomen will be taken at intervals determined by the radiologist. Between every film, the patient will be given a place to lie down. Usually no injection is required for this examination.

This examination is also to evaluate the small bowel. The patient is required to fast overnight prior to the examination. This procedure gives a better and clearer appearance of the small bowel than a barium follow-through examination. However, it requires a special tube to be inserted via either nostril through the throat, gullet and into the stomach. Thereafter, the tube is further placed by the radiologist past the stomach into the duodenum. Once the tube is in place, barium is run from a bag hung from a drip stand and the patient may feel the sudden gush of barium and thereafter the steady flow within the gut. There will be a sensation of wanting to go to the toilet when the barium reaches the colon. The examination would be nearly completed by then. Barium is passed out in the usual manner.

 
This examination evaluates the colon or large bowel. Besides fasting overnight, the patient also needs to undergo bowel preparation. Bower preparation is usually done using oral laxatives, which may be in the form of tablets, powder or solution. The examination should not take more than an hour. A rectal tube is to be inserted via the anal orifice and the barium is run in. The radiologist will give an injection into a hand vein, again to relax the bowels. Patients with irregular heart rhythms, acute urinary retention or glaucoma are to inform the radiologist so that an alternative drug may be given. The radiologist will guide the patient through the various imaging positions.

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Last Updated:
Thursday, 21 August, 2003