GIT (Gastrointestinal Tract)
These are dynamic studies to evaluate the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, small bowel and the large bowel. Both structure and function is thus evaluated.
Use is made of oral contrast material which is usually Barium. Occasionally water-soluble oral contrast agents are used such as Hexabrix or Gastrograffin are used. This is if there is a suspected abnormal connection between the oesophagus and the airway or if there is a chance of aspiration.
Fluoroscopy is used to obtain multiple images which can be reviewed. Due to the use of x-rays, female patients must make sure they are not pregnant.
Barium Swallow
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Strictures
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GORD
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Zenkers diverticulum
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Neoplasm
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cerebrovascular accident – stroke; haemorrhage
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Multiple sclerosis
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Cerebral palsy
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Myelomeningocoele
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Muscular dystrophy
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Polio
- Psychogenic dysphagia
- Certain drugs
You will be asked to take several mouthfuls of barium and swallow whilst imaging. This will be done in several different positions. No patient preparation is required. A booking is usually not required.
After the test, the radiologist may discuss findings with you. The images will be stored on a disc which you can take to your doctor together with the report.
Indications
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Drooling
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Choking
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Nasal regurgitation
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Voice change
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Recurrent pneumonia
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Unexplained weight loss
Barium Meal
You will be asked to drink a cup of thin barium followed by a sachet of enos. This is done to distend the stomach somewhat and get good coating of the lining of the stomach by the barium. You may be asked to change position and roll over in an attempt to get adequate coating. This is done under fluoroscopy where the passage of the barium can be followed. Representative images are taken and stored. Female patients must be sure they are not pregnant.
Following the test, the radiologist will look at all the images and then issue a report. All images will be stored on disc which you can take to your doctor.
Indications
Enteroclysis
You will be asked to lie on your side and a rectal examination performed to make sure there are no tumours close to the anal margin. A small tube is gently inserted into the rectum which is secured with a balloon filled with air. Barium is allowed to flow in under gravity and coat the mucosa of the large bowel. Excess barium is then removed and air is gently pumped in to distend the bowel. This may cause some abdominal discomfort with will be relieved by using an intravenous anti-spasmodic drug. Representative pictures are taken.
Indications
Barium Enema
You will be asked to lie on your side and a rectal examination performed to make sure there are no tumours close to the anal margin. A small tube is gently inserted into the rectum which is secured with a balloon filled with air. Barium is allowed to flow in under gravity and coat the mucosa of the large bowel. Excess barium is then removed and air is gently pumped in to distend the bowel. This may cause some abdominal discomfort with will be relieved by using an intravenous anti-spasmodic drug. Representative pictures are taken.
Indications
Defaecogram
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Nil.
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If the referring doctor suspects an enterocele, patient will arrive 2 hours before to drink barium to mark the small bowel
The images will be stored on a disc which you can take together with a report to your doctor.