Glossary

Barium swallow (Upper GI series)

In an upper GI series, or a barium swallow, also called barium contrast X-ray, the patient swallows a solution of barium, a compound that will appear inside the body during X-ray so the physician may observe how fluid moves through the esophagus as well as the appearance of the stomach.

Endoscopy (Esophagoscopy/Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

In esophagoscopy/endoscopy of the esophagus, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, allowing the physician to view the interior of the esophagus and obtain small tissue samples for biopsy, if necessary.

Manometry

Manometry involves inserting a thin tube with a sensitive probe through the nose, into the throat and esophagus. The patient is asked to swallow several times. Muscle contractions in the smooth muscle of the esophagus are analyzed at several points as the tube is slowly pulled back through the esophagus.

pH probe

A pH probe measures the amount of acid refluxed into the esophagus over 24 hours.