Barium studies
IVP, HSG
What are Barium studies, IVP, HSG?
Barium studies are usually carried out to highlight abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract and find the reasons for painful swallowing, abdominal pain, bloodstained vomit or unexplained weight loss. HSG (Hysterosalpingography) is about injecting a radiographic contrast (dye) and looking inside the uterus and fallopian tubes of women facing infertility issues or having difficulty getting pregnant. An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an imaging test that monitors the collecting system inside the kidneys. The X-ray provides images and pictures of the kidneys, the urinary bladder, the ureters and the urethra.
Why is it used?
The doctor will suggest you get a Barium test to see the outline of the upper parts of the gut (gastrointestinal tract). It will include the gullet (esophagus), stomach and upper gut (small intestines). It will help the healthcare professional to assess various problems of the gut.
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray exam that evaluates your kidneys, ureters and bladder via an injection of contrast material. It helps diagnose blood in the urine or pain in your side or lower back. With this test, the doctor will get enough information to treat you with medication and avoid surgery.
HSG is conducted a few months after some tubal sterilization procedures. Hysterosalpingography outlines the internal part of the uterus to check if the fallopian tube is blocked or not.
How is the procedure done?
As the radiologist conducts the IVP procedure, he first injects a contrast dye into one of the patient’s veins. With the help of X-ray images, he monitors the movement of dye as it moves from the kidney to the ureter and finally to the bladder.
During HSG, a thin tube is injected through the patient’s vagina and cervix. Simultaneously, contrast material is injected into the uterus. Following this material flowing through the uterus and then to tubes, doctors can determine the underlying kidney problem. The barium study begins with the patient swallowing barium mixed with water. The liquid as it passes down the person’s mouth and throat absorbs x-rays and creates images printed on x-ray film.
What are the benefits?
HSG helps to diagnose if there are fibroids or polyps in the fallopian tube.
IVP tests provide enough information and warning signs of kidney stones, directing doctors toward the right and immediate treatment
Barium studies allow doctors diagnoses abnormality in the digestive tract
Barium doesn’t get absorbed by the body and gets removed from the body through urine
What are the risks?
There are no major risks associated with Barium studies, IVP, and HSG.
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