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, barium swallow and endoscopy can all be performed in the same hospital visit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to allow both barium swallow examinaiton and endoscopy to be performed on the same day, a novel technique for clearing barium from the upper gastrointestinal tract was established, Following the barium swallow examination, patients were given diet cola and metoclopramide syrup. If appropriate, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was then performed shortly afterwards. The service was piloted for 6 months in which time 25 patients were investigated in this way. RESULTS: All patients were seen within 2 weeks of referral. The mean time between 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 had been satisfactorily cleared from the oesophagus and stomach. CONCLUSION: This technique allows both barium swallow and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to be performed on the same day, providing a rapid, safe and accurate diagnosis with minimum patient inconvenience. Mitchell, J. et al., (2001). Clinical Radiology 56, 64-66 (C) 2001 The Royal College of Radiologists.