Barium X-ray: preparation, what it shows

X-ray examination is based on the fact that human tissues of different densities absorb the rays coming from the X-ray tube differently. The best way to do this is calcium, which is part of the bones, on the image they are white, slightly worse connective tissues, muscles, fat - have a gray tint, organs filled with air - black. In order to improve visualization of the hollow organs of the abdominal cavity, contrast agents capable of absorbing X-rays are used, one of which is barium sulfate. [1]

Indications for the procedure

Barium is used for X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract. It allows to detect various pathologies manifested by the following symptoms:

• epigastric pain;
• severe and regular heartburn;
• burping with a sour taste;
• blood fragments in the feces, mucus;
• frequent stool disturbances;
• with incomplete bowel emptying;
• drastic weight loss.

Preparation

X-rays with contrast agent require a certain amount of preparation. Already 3 days before it is necessary to take special care of your diet, excluding from it products that contribute to the formation of gas: cabbage, legumes, raw vegetables and fruits, whole milk, give up alcohol and smoking.

It is best to eat dietary prepared dishes, give preference to broths, pureed soups, fruit juices without bright colors, and for 12 hours to stop eating altogether. The procedure is preceded by consumption of barium sulfate suspension diluted with water.

In some cases, prior gastric lavage or intestinal cleansing by enema is required.

Technique of the barium X-ray

Depending on which organ is being examined, the technique of the procedure is determined. When examining the esophagus and stomach, as a rule, first make a review X-ray of their walls, then give a few sips of prepared barium and make a primary sight picture. This allows a better view of their topography.

Then it is necessary to drink the substance (for adults up to 300ml, for children - 100ml). The doctor can massage the epigastric area to help the substance to distribute evenly in the stomach.

The radiologist films the patient lying on the back, side, with the pelvis elevated, standing.

Barium X-ray of the esophagus

The esophagus is examined in case of swallowing disorders, chest pain of unclear nature, foreign body ingestion, suspected hernia. The procedure is performed standing with the patient absolutely immobile. The moment of swallowing the solution and full filling of the organ is evaluated. The image is very informative and allows you to identify many pathologies, and also assesses the patency of the esophagus, the elasticity of its walls, the nature of the contours, etc.

Intestinal X-ray with barium

The intestinal examination is carried out in several stages. The patient is offered to drink half a liter of barium suspension, if double contrasting is necessary, air or inert gas is also supplied through a tube. The procedure is preceded by a 2-hour wait, which is how long it takes for the contrast agent to reach the small intestine. The radiologist takes a series of images in different body positions. After defecation, one final follow-up image is taken.

What do they allow you to see? The film shows the mucosal wall of the intestine, its relief, the dynamics of barium movement, i.e. Its motility, inflamed areas, neoplasms, diverticula, ulcers, absorption disorders.

Barium X-ray of the large intestine

X-ray of the large intestine with barium is prescribed to confirm the following diagnoses: colitis, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, tumor, interintestinal abscess, and others. A day before it, the patient drinks a glass of solution, no other preparation is required.

Often another procedure is performed in parallel - irrigoscopy, during which barium is administered with an enema. First, the intestine is cleansed to clean water, dinner and breakfast the day before are canceled. The solution for the enema is heated to^350C, its volume is 1.5-2 liters.

The procedure is very unpleasant, there are urges to defecate, painful spasms, and a feeling of distention. Doctors recommend deep breathing with the mouth and patience, otherwise all efforts may be in vain. For better distribution of the staining agent on the intestine, it is necessary to change positions with photofixation of the organ. After emptying the intestine, another control picture is taken.

This method allows you to examine the rectum and anus. It shows the shape of the organ, its extensibility, patency, location, elasticity.

A barium x-ray on a child

Radiography with contrast for children is performed in emergency cases in case of suspected abnormal development of organs or swallowing a foreign object. Barium is not used in the first months of a child's life due to the radiation load of the substance. Its role is performed by fat- or water-soluble preparations.

Contraindications to the procedure

There are no absolute contraindications for fluoroscopy of the stomach, and relative contraindications include pregnancy, gastric bleeding.

Ulcerative colitis, perforation of its walls, childbearing, tachycardia can be an obstacle to the procedure with the intestine. Special caution requires bowel obstruction, cystic pneumatosis, diarrhea, diverticulitis.

Complications after the procedure

The most unpleasant possible complication of barium fluoroscopy is an allergic reaction to the substance. This occurs when there are violations at the stage of preparation of the procedure - barium test was not performed. The reaction can be swelling of internal organs, difficulty breathing.

Consequences after the procedure

An unpleasant consequence of barium X-ray examination may be the appearance of nausea, digestive disorders, constipation in the first few days after the procedure. Examination of the intestine may be accompanied by bloating, flatulence, and fecal masses are colored white.

Care after the procedure

If the X-ray of the stomach does not cause unpleasant sensations and does not require special care after the procedure except for some food restrictions in the form of rough and plentiful food, the examination of the intestine is not so simple. It is unpleasant, painful and requires a certain rehabilitation period: refusal of physical activity, taking laxatives for the fastest withdrawal of barium from the body, delicate diet.

Testimonials

X-ray with barium of the esophagus and stomach according to reviews, as a rule, does not cause special complaints, which can not be said about the intestines. Nevertheless, a person is willing to undergo all the tests to identify and eliminate a debilitating problem.