digestive disorders
Overview of Esophageal Obstructions
Diagnosis
Upper endoscopy Biopsy Barium swallow x-rays To diagnose a blockage in the esophagus, doctors do an upper endoscopy. In this procedure, doctors examine the esophagus using a flexible tube called an Endoscopy . During the endoscopy, doctors take tissue samples to analyze under a microscope (called a biopsy). Doctors may also do a X-Ray Studies of the Digestive Tract . 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. Treatment and outcome depend on the cause of the narrowing or blockage. 