Radiology - Barium Swallow or Meal

Please read the information and follow the instructions carefully.

Why do I need a Barium Swallow or Meal?

Your doctor has decided that you need an examination of your oesophagus - (gullet) and stomach to investigate your symptoms. This test may be performed as part of a series of other tests.  However, if you do not want this procedure, please discuss with your doctor, and let us know if you decide not to have it done.

What is a Barium Swallow?

This is a special x-ray procedure to examine the oesophagus and see how you swallow.

What is a Barium Meal?

This is a special x-ray procedure to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel.

Who will be doing the Barium Swallow or Meal?

A specialist x-ray doctor called a Radiologist, or a specially trained radiographer will perform this examination. They are specialists in using x-ray equipment and in understanding the images produced.

How do I prepare for Barium Swallow or Meal?

It is extremely important to be properly prepared for your examination. For the test to work your oesophagus and stomach must be completely empty. If you are not properly prepared it may result in your test being rebooked.

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING FOR SIX HOURS BEFORE YOUR EXAMINATION.

You may still take any essential medication with a small amount of water.

What happens during a Barium Swallow or Meal?

You may need to undress and put on a hospital examination gown.

During the examination you will be given a spoonful of powder and a mouthful of sharp-tasting liquid which will together produce gas in the stomach. Then you will be asked to drink some barium liquid whilst being observed on an x-ray screen. You could be lying down or standing - or both - during this examination. You will be asked to move into various positions and the x-ray table may be tilted whilst the x-rays are taken. We may also ask you to swallow some bread.

If you are on a gluten free diet or have dietary requirements, please bring a slice of bread/biscuit with you or tell the department on your arrival.

How long will it take?

The examination usually takes around 20 minutes, but sometimes will take longer. Rarely follow up x-rays will be needed up to an hour later. The doctor/radiographer will let you know if further x-rays are needed.

What happens next, and how soon can I eat and drink?

You can eat and drink as normal. If you drink plenty of fluids this will help avoid any constipation that the barium may cause.

The results of your examination will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the examination.

Are there any risks or complications?

Barium Swallows or Meals are safe examinations, but there are some risks and complications that can arise.

• The barium can stay in your system for a few weeks. The barium will make your stools look pale and chalky. This is normal. Due to this you may feel constipated until all the barium has cleared. You should drink plenty of fluids or you may use your regular laxative
• If you have any problems, please consult your GP for advice

Is x-ray guidance dangerous?

All x-ray machines use potentially harmful x-rays. Modern equipment is designed to keep the dose you receive as low as possible. If your doctor has asked for this test, they will have decided that the benefits from the procedure outweigh the risks from the very small dose of radiation that you receive.

What if I decide not to have the Barium Swallow or Meal done?

You will be able to discuss any concerns you have with the radiologist or radiographer. If you then decide not to go ahead with the examination, we will write to your referring doctor to let them know.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

Another procedure can be done which allows your oesophagus and stomach to be investigated. This is a camera test – Endoscopy. This investigation may not be suitable for you, so you should discuss it with your consultant. The advantage of a Barium Swallow is that we can watch how the muscles of your gullet work.

What if I’m pregnant?

As x-rays can harm unborn babies, if there is any chance you could be pregnant, please call 0161 206 4941 if your appointment is at Salford Royal Hospital or 0161 656 1178 if your appointment is at Royal Oldham Hospital.

All persons of childbearing age will be asked if they could be pregnant when x-rays are to be used.

If you require alternative tests or treatments due to pregnancy, then your doctor will discuss this at your next appointment.

Patients with diabetes

If you are diabetic and you need advice about your medication and diet, please contact the Diabetes Centre on 0161 206 4888 between 8.30am and 12.30pm, Monday to Friday as soon as you receive this appointment and ask to speak to a diabetes specialist nurse.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any queries about your appointment or cannot attend, then please telephone the booking office on 0161 206 2044 or 0161 206 2404 (Salford Royal Hospital) or 0161 624 0420 (Royal Oldham Hospital) available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm.

You can also email booking.radiology@nca.nhs.uk (Salford Royal Hospital) or bookingandscheduling.outpatients@nca.nhs.uk (Royal Oldham Hospital).

Please include name, date of birth, address and hospital number (if known) in any correspondence.

Interpreters

If you need an interpreter for your examination, please call the department so that we can try to arrange this.

I need an ambulance. How do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance there are contact details on your appointment letter.

Please contact us if you are arriving by ambulance so we can time your appointment with your ambulance arrival. If we are not aware that you are coming by ambulance you may miss your appointment and it may have to be rebooked.

Contact Details

We hope your questions have been answered by this leaflet.

If you require help or any other information regarding your appointment you can contact: -
Fluoroscopy Department, Salford Royal Hospital Tel: 0161 206 4941
Interventional Radiology, Royal Oldham Hospital Tel: 0161 656 1178

Websites

For general information about radiology departments, visit The Royal College of Radiologists’ website:
www.goingfora.com
www.rcr.ac.uk

In accordance with the Equality Act we will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities, to access this service.