Clearance of barium from the oesophagus with diet cola anti metoclopramide: A one stop approach to patients with dysphagia

AIM: To establish a 'one-stop' dysphagia service in which a consultation, b arium swallow and endoscopy can all be performed in the same hospital visit . MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to allow both barium swallow examinaiton an d endoscopy to be performed on the same day, a novel technique for clearing barium from the upper gastrointestinal tract was established, Following th e barium swallow examination, patients were given diet cola and metoclopram ide syrup. If appropriate, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was then per formed shortly afterwards. The service was piloted for 6 months in which ti me 25 patients were investigated in this way. RESULTS: All patients were seen within 2 weeks of referral. The mean time b etween barium swallow and endoscopy was 3 h 38 min (range, 1 h 50 min to 5 h 20 min), In all 24 patients in whom an endoscopy was performed, barium ha d been satisfactorily cleared from the oesophagus and stomach. CONCLUSION: This technique allows both barium swallow and upper gastrointes tinal endoscopy to be performed on the same day, providing a rapid, safe an d accurate diagnosis with minimum patient inconvenience. Mitchell, J. et al ., (2001). Clinical Radiology 56, 64-66 (C) 2001 The Royal College of Radio logists.