Gastric X-ray, Duodenal X-ray

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 12:25

Gastric x-ray

The gastric x-ray, which is usually carried out at the same time as the gastric and duodenal x-ray, involves an x-ray contrast image of the inner contours of the stomach and duodenum. X-ray examinations of the digestive tract, especially of the stomach, have lost importance since the introduction of endoscopy (gastroscopy, gastroscopy). This is mainly due to the fact that, with endoscopic examination methods, in many cases an intervention (eg sampling, polyp removal, hemostasis, etc.) can take place in the same session.

The presentation of the esophagus, especially its movements during the swallowing process, and the assessment of the gatekeeper (sphincter muscle at the transition from the esophagus to the gastric entrance) by means of gastric x-ray are still indispensable examinations, e.g. in the clarification of reflux disease and in functional swallowing and gastric emptying disorders.

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• When is a gastric x-ray necessary?
• What preparations are necessary?
• How does a gastric x-ray work?
• What are the side effects / complications?
• Where is a gastric x-ray taken?
• How are the costs going to be covered?

When is a gastric x-ray necessary?

Typical indications for a gastric x-ray are:

• unclear upper abdominal complaints,
• Gastritis and stomach ulcers as well
• Diaphragmatic hernia (hiatal hernia).

What preparations are necessary?

Easily digestible food should be given the day before the examination (no meat dishes, pulses, etc.). On the day of the examination, the patient must be sober, ie no food or fluid intake from midnight. Smoking is also prohibited. The examination is completely painless and anesthesia is not required.

How does a gastric x-ray work?

The examination is initially carried out while standing in the X-ray unit. First the patient is given an effervescent powder to swallow, which inflates the stomach. Then about 1/8 liter of barium sulphate pulp is drunk. X-rays are already taken to assess the swallowing process. In order to wet the entire inner wall of the stomach, the patient has to turn around his / her own axis several times while lying down. X-rays of the stomach and duodenum are then taken while lying down on different levels. The entire examination takes about ten minutes. The contrast medium is excreted through the intestine. This can lead to a harmless discoloration of the stool.

What are the side effects / complications?

The entire examination process is completely painless. The administered contrast agent rarely results in slight irregularities in the stool. In the case of inflammatory changes in the stomach or esophagus wall (eg gastritis, ulcers), a “leak” in the wall (perforation) can cause contrast medium to escape into the abdomen. This can lead to peritonitis. Therefore, if a perforation is suspected, a water-soluble iodine-containing contrast medium is used instead of a barium-containing contrast medium.

Where is a gastric x-ray taken?

An X-ray examination of the stomach can be carried out by resident specialists for radiology or in hospitals with a radiological department. A medical referral is required. The examination itself is carried out and assessed by the radiologist.

• Radiology specialists in your area can be found under Services: Doctor search
• You can find hospitals (with a radiological department) in your area under Clinic search

How are the costs going to be covered?

You will need a doctor's referral for a gastric x-ray. This is valid for one month from the date of issue. The costs are covered by your health insurance provider.