Animation of Barium Swallow

A barium swallow test (cine esophagram, swallowing study, esophagography, modified barium swallow study, video fluoroscopy swallow study) is a special type of imaging test that uses barium and X-rays to create images of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The upper GI tract includes the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and the esophagus. Barium is used during a swallowing test to make certain areas of the body show up more clearly on an X-ray. The radiologist will be able to see size and shape of the pharynx and esophagus. He or she will also be able see how the patient swallows. These details might not be seen on a standard X-ray. Barium is used only for imaging tests for the GI tract. A barium swallow test may be used by itself or as part of an upper GI series. This series looks at your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Fluoroscopy is often used during a barium swallow test. Fluoroscopy is a kind of X-ray “movie.” We used this animation to show how surgeons at a hospital in Nashville diagnosed an esophageal tear caused by an endoscope earlier in the day. The barium leaked out around the site of the tear so this confirmed the diagnosis. Our client needed surgical repair to sew the tear. We used this animation with expert testimony to show the jury how the treating surgeon discovered the tear.