digestive disorders
Esophageal Pouches (Diverticula)
Diagnosis of Esophageal Pouches
Barium swallow x-rays Often upper endoscopy Doctors diagnose all types of esophageal diverticula by doing a barium swallow (esophagram). In this test, people are given barium in a liquid before x-rays are taken. The barium outlines the esophagus, making abnormalities easier to see. Sometimes the barium swallow is videotaped so doctors have a recording of it. Doctors often do an upper Endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. During upper endoscopy, doctors examine the esophagus by using a flexible tube called an endoscope. 