New method of double contrast examination of the esophagus (author's transl)

Abstract

Many different methods of double contrast esophagus examination exist, e.g. the air swallowing, tube inflation, gas producing or hypnotizing agent administration techniques. However, to swallow an adequate size air bubble is difficult, the insertion of an esophageal tube is inconvenient for the patient and time consuming to a certain extent, and the use of gas producing or hypnotizing compositions has some disadvantages too. Our method employs foam (whipped cream) instead of the air or carbon dioxide generally used. After consuming one tablespoonful good-quality barium sulfate esophagus paste, the patient swallows one or two tablespoonfuls whipped cream to distend the barium coated walls. Owing to the nearly air-equivalent density of the foam, high-quality double contrast spots can be obtained. This technique allows adequate time for exposing films in different obliques as well. The foam contrasting is effective even distally to a narrowed part, so the distensibility can be analyzed at full length of the esophagus.