Why is this procedure done?
The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. An esophagram is a test that lets your doctor see how your esophagus works through x-ray pictures as you swallow. Your doctor may order this procedure if you have: ‚
- Problems swallowing
- Throwing up that happens often
- Pain when you swallow
- Food and liquids come back up into your throat. This is called reflux.
Your doctor may do this procedure after surgery on your esophagus to make sure there are no leaks. ‚
During this procedure, you will drink a white, chalky milkshake-like liquid called barium. This liquid will help to give your doctor better pictures of your esophagus as you swallow. ‚
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What will the results be?
This procedure will help your doctor find the cause of your swallowing problems and what treatment is best for you. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you are or may be pregnant
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on a special table that moves.
- The staff will give you barium liquid to drink. The staff will take pictures of your esophagus while you drink the liquid to check how you swallow.
- You may have to move into other positions so the staff can take more pictures.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will wait until the doctor sees the pictures. In some cases, the staff may need to take more pictures.
- You may go home after the procedure or when your doctor says so.
- Your doctor will tell you when you can get the results.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand everything the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may return to your normal activities and diet. You may feel a bit bloated or sick to your stomach for a short period of time after the test.
- The barium will cause your stools to be a lighter color and chalky for 1 to 3 days after the test. This is normal. Your stools may also be harder.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day for the next 2 to 3 days to help flush the barium out of your body.
- Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber after the procedure. This will help prevent hard stools.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor will schedule a meeting to talk about the results of your esophagram. ‚
What problems could happen?
Hard stools ‚
Helpful tips
Drink more water than you usually do. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and foods high in fiber after the procedure. This will help prevent hard stools. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American College of Gastroenterology ‚
http://patients.gi.org/topics/gi-radiographic-tests/ ‚
American College of Radiology ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=uppergi ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚