Diagnostic value of barium swallow following oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) for dysphagia or dysmotility

Purpose Barium swallow can be useful in the investigation of dysphagia and dysmotility. With advances in oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) and manometry, the use of barium swallow has become less relevant. We aimed to study the diagnostic benefit of barium swallow in patients being investigated for dysphagia/dysmotility, particularly in those who had recently undergone OGD. Methods and materials Using the computerised radiology information system (CRIS), a search was conducted for ‘motility’ and/or ‘dysphagia’ within the request for barium swallows performed during March 2014–March 2015. Reports were analysed individually by one person. Using GI Reporting Tool software, OGD reports for these patients during January 2014–March 2015 were analysed by the same person. Results In a one year period, there were 36 barium swallows performed (female = 22, male = 14; average age 64) for the investigation of dysphagia/dysmotility. Of these, 18 (50.0%) were performed after a successfully completed OGD. Of these studies, 18 (100.0%) of the barium swallow reports correlated with the OGD report. No new clinical information was added, including the three of the barium swallows (16.7%) that demonstrated dysmotility; all of these three cases already had previous endoscopic findings suggestive of dysmotility. Conclusion These findings showed that barium swallow following a successfully performed OGD added no additional diagnostic benefit in the investigation of dysphagia or dysmotility.