Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Methods
Double contrast:
The method of choice to demonstrate mucosal pattern.
Basic Anatomy
Dyspepsia.
Weight loss,
Upper abdominal mass.
Gastrointestinal haemorrhage,
Partial obstruction
BARIUM MEAL
procedure
Contrast medium
125ml Barium sulphate suspension 250% w/v
Patient Preparation
Nil by mouth for 6 hrs prior to examination. Smoking
should be avoided on the day of the examination since it
increases gastric motility
Preliminary films
None
Technique
A gas producing agent is swallowed.
The patient then drinks the barium whilst lying on his
left side, this prevents the barium from reaching the
duodenum too quickly and so obscuring the greater
curve.
The patient then lies supine and slightly on his right
side and trendelenberg tilted to bring the barium up
against the gastro oesophageal junction, this
manoeuvre is screened to check for reflux and the
patient is asked to cough to encourage reflux,
Spot films are taken if reflux occurs.
Position
Demonstrates
Supine RAO
Supine
Supine LAO
Lesser curve
Fundus
Prone
Duodenal loop
Erect
Fundus
Oesophagus
Position
Supine RAO
Supine
Supine LAO
Supine Left Lateral,
(head up 45 degree)
Prone
Prone, RAO, Supine,
LAO ,
Erect RAO, LAO
Erect
Demonstrates
Antrum and greater curve
Antrum and body
Lesser curve
Fundus
Duodenal loop
Duodenal Cap series
Fundus
Aftercare
The patient should be warned his bowel
motions will be white for a few days, some
centres advise a mild laxative for 48 hrs to
encourage the passage of barium and reduce
the possibility of impaction.
Complications
Leakage of barium from unsuspected
perforation,
Aspiration,
Obstruction,
Barium appendicitis.
Side effects of any other drugs used.