Air contrast tube esophagram: technique and clinical examples. Technical note

The air-contrast tube esophagram is performed by positioning a soft thin rubber catheter in the proximal esophagus. The patient drinks high density, low viscosity barium while the esophagus is insufflated with air through the tube. The procedure can usually be completed in five to eight minutes. In the majority of patients there is minimal discomfort. The advantage of the tube esophagram is the fact that it provides reliable, uniform full-column air distention.