barium x-ray

A procedure used to x-ray the esophagus, stomach, small intestine or large intestine. A contrast medium (barium) is used to make organs and structures show up clearly on the x-ray image.

Doctors use barium x-ray to look for tumours, polyps, blockages or other signs of disease.

A barium enema is used to inject barium into the colon and rectum through the anus. A barium swallow or barium meal is used to coat the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) with barium.

See also upper gastrointestinal (GI) series and lower gastrointestinal (GI) series.