Barium Swallow Treatment in India
About Barium Swallow
Key Highlights
-
Non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure with no incisions required.Provides real-time, dynamic visualization of swallowing function and esophageal motility.Effectively identifies structural abnormalities like strictures, tumors, and hiatal hernias.Outpatient procedure, typically completed within 30-60 minutes.Lower cost and less invasive alternative to endoscopy for initial structural evaluation.Performed under the supervision of a specialist gastroenterologist for accurate interpretation./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or painful swallowing (odynophagia).
- Persistent heartburn, acid reflux, or symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
- Unexplained chest pain not related to the heart.
- Sensation of food sticking in the chest or throat.
- Chronic cough or hoarseness potentially linked to aspiration.
- Suspected esophageal strictures, rings (Schatzki's ring), or webs.
- Evaluation for hiatal hernia or esophageal diverticula.
- Assessment of swallowing function post-stroke or surgery.
- Investigation of suspected motility disorders like achalasia.
How to prepare
- Fasting is required: No food or drink (including water) for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, especially diabetes medications, as dosing may need adjustment.
- Disclose any known allergies, particularly to barium or contrast materials.
- Notify your doctor if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or fastenings near the chest and abdomen.
- Remove all jewelry, eyeglasses, and dentures before the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Allergic reaction to the barium contrast, though this is extremely rare.
- Temporary constipation or white-colored stools after the procedure.
- Barium impaction (hardening in the intestines) in patients with severe constipation or bowel obstruction.
- Minimal exposure to low-dose radiation; the benefit of diagnosis outweighs this small risk.
- Aspiration of barium into the lungs is a rare risk, primarily in patients with severe swallowing difficulties.
- Nausea or abdominal cramping immediately following the test.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You can resume normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure.
- Drink plenty of water for the next 24-48 hours to help flush the barium from your system.
- Your stools may appear white or light-colored for 1-3 days; this is normal.
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe constipation, abdominal pain, or are unable to have a bowel movement within 2-3 days.
- The gastroenterologist will review the images and provide a detailed report, typically within a few days, to discuss findings and next steps.
- No special wound care is needed as it is a non-surgical test.
-
Typical hospital stay:
0 days (Outpatient)
-
Expected recovery time:
0-1 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering barium swallow in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for barium swallow in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform barium swallow. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for barium swallow compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Barium Swallow in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing barium swallow.
vijayawada, India
44 Doctors
James Johnson, a 68-year-old retired construction...
James Johnson, a 68-year-old retired construction foreman, had been struggling for months. A lifelong 'meat and potatoes' man, he found himself increasingly unable to enjoy his meals. He experienced a persistent feeling of food getting stuck in his chest, occasional painful swallowing, and had lost 15 pounds unintentionally. His primary care doctor, concerned about possible esophageal strictures or a motility disorder, referred him to a gastroenterologist. The specialist recommended a Barium Swallow to visualize the structure and function of his esophagus. James was nervous, fearing the test would be uncomfortable and dreading what it might reveal. During the procedure, he drank the thick, chalky barium liquid while standing in front of the X-ray machine, following the technician's instructions to swallow in different positions. It was strange but not painful. The results showed a benign esophageal stricture (narrowing), likely from years of acid reflux. Relieved it wasn't cancer, James felt a weight lift. He underwent a simple outpatient procedure to dilate the stricture and started medication for reflux. His emotional journey shifted from fear of a serious illness to manageable concern and finally to relief and optimism as he regained his ability to eat comfortably.
Gastroenterologists for Barium Swallow
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform barium swallow and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai