In the X-ray examination of the digestive tract we use a milky drink which contains barium. Barium is not absorbed from the intestines into the body, rather it passes through the digestive tract and is eventually excreted naturally. Since barium absorbs X-rays, it leaves an image on the X-ray screen or film, and from multiple sequential images we obtain a film projection of the digestive system in one plane. It provides useful information about the position of the examined organ, possible abnormal growths, strictures or flow obstructions.
In this way, we are able to perform X-ray imaging of the stomach, oesophagus and duodenum in only about 15 to 20 minutes.