Barium Swallow Treatment in India
About Barium Swallow
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (Outpatient)
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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 Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Gem Hospital Perungudi, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, 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.
Kolkata, India
72 Doctors
I'd been to three other doctors...
I'd been to three other doctors for this nagging pain and fatigue. Everyone said it was stress. Dr. Latha at MGM was the first one who actually sat and listened, really listened, to everything I was saying. She ordered a specific test the others hadn't, and it turned out to be something quite rare. She explained it all to me in plain Tamil, drew diagrams on a notepad. I was scared, but she laid out a clear plan. It's been a long road, but I finally feel like we're getting somewhere.
Gastroenterologists for Barium Swallow
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform barium swallow and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 17 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram
- 5 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 27 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 29 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road
- 27 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar
- 23 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala