Optimal visualization of esophageal varices

Gastrointestinal radiography with glucagon

“…The use of glucagon to relax the gastroesophageal sphincter for relief of food impaction may avoid the use of a more hazardous procedure. Cockerill et al [72] demonstrated that an anticholinergic was more effective to relax the body of the esophagus to allow greater filling of varices. It is believed that the body of the esophagus has no polypeptide receptors.…”

A comparative double-blind study of esophageal barium pastes

“…He must repeatedly clear his throat, and spit into an emesis basin to prevent another peristaltic stripping wave. A study of the technique of examination of the esophagus for varices has been described in another publication [1], but it is essential to have good coating of the lower esophagus in a resting phase.…”

“…Examiner skill, persistence and care are the most important factors in examining the lower esophagus. In addition to correct timing of the valsalva maneuver, examining skill requires the knowledge that time, position, phase of respiration, and sometimes drugs are necessary for the best examination [1].…”

“…Fever may occur due to anhidrosis. Following the use of propantheline bromide, urinary hesistancy, urinary retention, dryness of the mouth, mydriasis, blurring of vision, nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, insonmia, headache, loss of the sense of taste, nausea, vomiting, constipation, impotence, and allergic dermatitis have all been reported [1,4,5].…”

“…To demonstrate esophageal varices previous studies have shown that it may take as long as 5 to 10 minutes [1]. Therefore, to be optimally effective barium sulfate suspensions must coat the lower esophagus for this length of time.…”