Could The Barium Swallow Have Caused The Pancreatitis And The Ileus?

Posted on Thu, 25 Nov 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 Answered on

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a laparascopic Nissen 18 oct 21 and felt pretty good day ofter surgery, I had a barium swallow at noon and went home, had increased upper abdomen pain after the barium swallow. I went to ED finally at 2 am (14hours after the barium swallow) and found out I had pancreatitis with lipase 441 and abdomen CT showed ileus. Could the barium swallow have caused the pancreatitis and the ileus? My abdomen pain has improved. I can drink full liquids and eat noodles. most BMs are liquid. is this because of the ileus? I am not getting a lot of guidance from my surgeon.

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diarrhea may have been caused by barium.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read your query and here is my advice.
I don't think that pancreatitis and ileus have been caused by barium.I believe that irritation, diarrhea and abdominal pain may have been caused by barium.
The ileus is it causing the liquid bowel movement but the irritation .
The ileus may have been caused by surgery.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar