Esophagram (Barium Swallow)

Why do I need this?
A barium swallow studies how a patient swallows and how food travels down the esophagus. Patients have this procedure for diagnoses such as difficulty swallowing (dysphasia), epigastric pain, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other upper gastric problems. Patients can be scheduled for a modified barium swallow, which is scheduled through Regional Rehab Services (706) 475-3511.

What is this like for the patient?
There is no preparation needed for this procedure. Once you are in the exam room you will be asked to drink 4 ounces of barium, which is about the consistency of a melted milkshake. During the esophagram, the radiologist will watch you swallow the barium on an x-ray monitor. This procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes. There is no discomfort or any after effects for patients having this procedure.