Method of research - X-ray of the stomach

Let's start with the answer to the question: "What is the difference between x-rays and fluorography?" I had to hear a wide variety of opinions, but in fact X-rays are used both there and there. They are distinguished by some technical features. In this case, radiography( X-ray) allows you to obtain pictures of better quality. Also, when it is applied, the irradiation is less. Today we are particularly interested in the x-ray of the stomach.

Purpose of this method

There are various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract:

• infection;
• polyps;
• spasms;
• intestinal obstruction;
• various infections;
• inflammatory processes;
• tumors and other disorders.

The X-ray of the stomach is a diagnostic test method used for suspected of the above diseases or for confirming an already diagnosed diagnosis. With its help, it is possible to determine the localization of an inflammatory focus, a tumor, or another pathology. This technique has proved itself well for many years.

Sometimes patients are interested in whether x-rays are harmful? It is not easy to answer unequivocally. But, at least, if necessary, within reasonable limits, it must be done as many times as the medical specialist has prescribed. Perhaps it is better for pregnant women not to do it, but children of any age can apply it.

X-ray of the stomach - types

Different methods of carrying out radiography are applied depending on which part( parts) of the gastrointestinal tract is to be examined. Usually methods are used:

• contrast,
• double contrast.

When carrying out an X-ray examination of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, the patient preliminarily drinks an insoluble in the digestive juices suspension of barium sulfate. This aqueous suspension, which is also called "barium porridge", the stomach and intestines are not absorbed. Absorbing X-rays, such a "porridge" creates a contrast, due to which the necessary for the study part is visible on the screen or picture. Any changes in shape are also detected. Accordingly, the diagnosis is determined with high accuracy.

X-ray of the stomach - a method of double contrasting

After the patient under examination has taken a contrast, air is introduced into the gastrointestinal tract, which makes the contours of the part of the organ under study more clear. In the stomach, air is pumped through the mouth opening with a probe. Also, air enters the small intestine. In the rectum and large intestine, air is injected through the anus. With the aim of suppressing the peristalsis of the stomach and relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestine, antispasmodics are injected.

X-ray of the stomach - performance of

• Mandatory fasting.
• First, the doctor conducts a preliminary examination using the abdominal X-ray. Thus, various gastric dysfunctions are diagnosed.
• The patient is placed between the screen and an X-ray tube in a special booth.
• Under the supervision of the doctor, the subject drinks a small sip of contrast, the movement and spread of which in the stomach is clearly visible on the screen.
• With a thorough examination, the patient periodically turns around in one direction or another.

X-ray of the stomach is practically not dangerous

The organism undergoes little radiation during the study. The contrast itself is absolutely harmless to humans and is eliminated from the body without being absorbed. In rare cases, an allergic reaction is possible.

Small intestine - X-ray

Also at this examination it is possible to examine the small intestine on the screen. From the stomach radiocontrast suspension comes directly into it. But usually at similar inspections the contrast is entered by means of a thin probe directly in a duodenal gut. In this way, the medical professional avoids mixing the contrast with the gastric juice and the patient's saliva.