HealthEngine
  • Home
  • Find a Practitioner
  • Find GP Appointments
  • Submit Your Listing

Search

Gastrografin Swallow

A Gastrografin Swallow shows an outline of the oesophagus and stomach on a plain X-Ray, using Gastrografin as a contrast medium which is swallowed by the patient. It may show irregularities of the usual smooth outline, caused by strictures (narrowing) or ulceration – damage to the mucosa (lining) of the oesophagus. It differs from a Barium Swallow in that the contrast material is water soluble and less irritating to body tissues if there is a leak from the oesophagus – known as a perforation.

How the Test is Performed

Having a Gastrografin Swallow test involves drinking some liquid which shows up on an X-Ray. This contrast medium is non-toxic, and shows up as white on a plain X-Ray taken during or soon after swallowing. The gastrografin shows up the inside of the oesophagus (food pipe) and gives an idea of its lining surface.

Medical Conditions and Symptoms

A Gastrografin Swallow may be requested by your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or painful swallowing (odynophagia). These symptoms may indicate a narrowing in the oesophagus (known as a stricture), ulceration or inflammation of the oesophagus (oesophagitis), or failure of normal relaxation of the oesophagus during swallowing (achalasia).

Test Results Explained

Gastrografin Swallow results are sent to your doctor after the images have been interpreted by the Radiologist. One of the above conditions may be diagnosed, or further tests may be required if the test is inconclusive.

Related Specialists

  • General Practitioner (GP)
  • General Physician
  • General Surgeon
  • Cardiothoracic Surgeon
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Oncologist
  • Paediatrician
  • Palliative Care Physician
  • Radiologist

Related Procedures

  • Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Tissue Biopsy

Related Tests

  • Chest X-Ray (CXR)
  • CT Scan of the Chest
  • CT Scan of the Abdomen
  • Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Barium Swallow

Also Known As

  • Gastrografin oesophagram

About HealthEngine

HealthEngine is dedicated to helping patients and health practitioners connect. We believe that when we do this well, everyone benefits.

HealthEngine is:

  • Australia's No. 1 Comprehensive Online Health Directory;
  • Professionally trusted by the Health Community;
  • 50,000 practices and practitioners listed;
  • Established in 2006, by a team of Medical Doctors.

HealthEngine

  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Press Centre
  • HealthEngine for iPhone
  • Health Articles

Appointments

  • Find an Appointment
  • List Your Appointments
  • Open Appointments Login

Directory

  • Find a Practitioner
  • List Your Practice
  • HealthEngine
  • Twitter

© 2012 HealthEngine | Terms of Use