ABSTRACT
Barium is usually used, although for checking integrity of surgical anastomoses a water-soluble material such as Gastrografin is preferable. Barium meal has generally been replaced by endoscopy for the investigation of upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms such as dyspepsia, suspected upper GIT bleeding, weight loss or anaemia of unknown cause. The patient drinks a quantity of barium or Gastrografin and images are acquired until the contrast material either reaches an obstruction or enters the large bowel. Perforation of the GIT may be due to peptic ulceration, inflammation including acute diverticulitis and appendicitis, and blunt or penetrating injury including iatrogenic trauma. Common causes of acute lower GIT bleeding are angiodysplasia and diverticular disease. Colorectal carcinoma may present clinically with large bowel obstruction, GIT bleeding, or less specifically with weight loss or anaemia. Acute mesenteric ischaemia is caused by abrupt disruption of blood flow to the bowel.
