Does Esophagram, Barium Swallow With Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Or Modified Barium Swallow Have More Radiation Exposure?

Posted on Thu, 21 Jun 2018

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

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 Answered on

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,

Just want to ask a quick question. Comparing esophagram/barium swallow with Videofluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS)/modified barium swallow, which one has more radiation exposure for the patients? Are they safe to patients in terms of radiation exposure?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Both causes very little exposure.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Both investigations causes little radiation exposure to patient but risk benefit ratio suggest in favor of investigations.
Traditional barium swallow causes 1 mSv radiation exposure whereas modified barium swallow causes little more exposure.
Now a days,modified method is widely used as it is a real time investigation and it is very helpful in diagnosis.
Modified swallow is operator dependent and this may cause more exposure as compared to traditional one.
In spite of this,due to its benefit modified method is widely used.

It is important to know that both causes very little exposure and it is far below the maximum safe limit of radiation exposure.

In short,don't worry about radiation exposure.It is a safe investigation.

Get well soon.

Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr. Indu Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D