Water flush technique: a noninvasive method of optimizing visualization of the distal esophagus in patients with primary achalasia.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of a water flush technique to optimize visualization of the distal esophageal mucosa during barium esophagography of patients with moderate to severe primary achalasia. The water flush consists of having patients drink tap water at end esophagography in an attempt to clear the standing barium column. The water flush technique is a simple, noninvasive maneuver that improves the extent of diagnostic visualization of the distal esophageal mucosa in patients with moderate to severe primary achalasia. It facilitated detection of a tumor in one patient and identification of additional pathologic changes in two other patients in this series.