About Barium Tube Esophagram
Key Highlights
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Provides a dynamic, real-time video of swallowing function and esophageal movement.Offers superior visualization of the esophageal lining and structural abnormalities compared to standard X-rays.Minimally invasive and typically performed as an outpatient procedure.No sedation is usually required, allowing for a quicker recovery.Essential for diagnosing complex swallowing disorders and planning appropriate interventions.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) for solids or liquids.
- Unexplained chest pain not related to the heart.
- Suspected esophageal stricture, ring, or web.
- Evaluation for hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) complications.
- Suspected esophageal motility disorders like achalasia or esophageal spasm.
- Assessment of swallowing function before or after certain surgeries.
- Investigation of suspected esophageal tumors or foreign bodies.
How to prepare
- Fasting is required, typically for 6-8 hours before the procedure (nothing to eat or drink).
- Inform your doctor about all medications, allergies (especially to barium or iodine), and if you are pregnant.
- You may be asked to remove dentures, jewelry, or any metal objects from the neck and chest area.
- A brief review of your medical history and symptoms will be conducted.
- You will change into a hospital gown for the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Allergic reaction to the barium contrast, though rare.
- Minor discomfort or gagging during tube insertion.
- Risk of barium aspiration into the lungs, which is minimized by the controlled administration via tube.
- Temporary constipation or white-colored stools after the procedure as barium passes.
- Very low radiation exposure from the fluoroscopic X-rays.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You can usually resume normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure.
- Drink plenty of water to help pass the barium and prevent constipation.
- Your stools may appear white or light-colored for 1-3 days.
- A radiologist and your gastroenterologist will analyze the images, and results are typically discussed within a few days.
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or an inability to have a bowel movement.
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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 tube esophagram in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for barium tube esophagram 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 tube esophagram. 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 tube esophagram compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Barium Tube Esophagram in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing barium tube esophagram.
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 Tube Esophagram
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform barium tube esophagram and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 37 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar
- 33 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 41 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 22 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Gem Hospital Aminjikarai
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram
- 17 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Gem Hospital Aminjikarai
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur