Learn about Barium Tube Esophagram Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Barium Tube Esophagram and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Barium Tube Esophagram

A Barium Tube Esophagram, also known as a barium swallow study, is a specialized fluoroscopic X-ray procedure performed by a gastroenterologist to evaluate the structure and function of the esophagus. During the test, a thin tube is passed through the nose or mouth into the esophagus, and a liquid contrast agent called barium is administered directly. As the patient swallows, real-time X-ray imaging captures the barium's movement, providing a detailed view of the esophageal lining, muscle contractions (peristalsis), and the opening and closing of the lower esophageal sphincter. This diagnostic tool is crucial for identifying swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), strictures, hiatal hernias, tumors, and motility disorders like achalasia, offering a clear roadmap for further treatment.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 38 – USD 87 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 0-1 days Know More
Turkey USD 282 – USD 644 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 0-1 days Know More

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.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Gem Hospital Perungudi

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Avnish Seth
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kingshuk Dhar
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharath T
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kunal Kumar Gupta
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kandarp Nath Saxena
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Banerjee
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Janardhana T
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashokananda Konar
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Sethy
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated