Contemporary Radiological Examination of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

Barium and endoscopy both have advantages. Endoscopy not only gives you direct visualization, but also the ability to perform biopsies. It does not give you the ability to determine the exact anatomy or the gross appearance of a lesion. Barium, on the other hand, gives you a dynamic examination which is particularly useful for the assessment of swallowing disorders and oesophageal motility. When the pharynx and oesophagus are not of prime concern and cost is not a problem, then endoscopy, which requires minimal physical effort, is the examination of choice for dyspeptic and unwell patients.