Contrast Studies in Gastrointestinal Diseases

X-ray with contrast medium can be used for the investigation of anatomical or motility disorders. Studies usually performed include barium swallow/meal, barium follow through and barium enema. Barium swallow is usually used in motility disorders such as achalasia or gastroparesis. Barium follow-through is used to assess stomach and small bowel issues such as chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, strictures, suspected malabsorption e.t.c. Barium enema is used to assess rectal and large bowel disorders (strictures, diverticular disease, megacolon, chronic constipation). Water-soluble contrast is preferred for opacifying small bowel prior to CT scan and in cases of suspected perforation. In suspected perforation cases, barium contrast is contraindicated because of its potential to cause barium-peritonitis. Text Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 23rd Edition, Page No. 773.