Alimentary tract imaging

Plain abdominal radiographs and barium studies are no longer the only available radiological methods for investigating alimentary tract disease. These basic procedures still retain their importance because of their cheapness, wide availability, and ease of performance. The newer modalities such as ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and computed tomography, however, have had a dramatic impact on the way in which common alimentary tract problems are routinely investigated in 1986. This presentation offers guidance in the investigation of acute abdomen, abdominal mass, peptic ulcer disease, right upper-quadrant pain, jaundice, altered bowel habit, and suspected pancreatic abnormality.