How to Perform and Interpret Timed Barium Esophagogram

Timed barium esophagogram (TBE) is a simple and objective method for assessing the esophageal emptying. The technique of TBE is similar to usual barium swallow with some modifications, which include taking multiple sequential films at pre-decided time interval after a single swallow of a fixed volume of a specific density barium solution. While many authors have used height and width of the barium column to assess the esophageal emptying, others have used the area of the barium column. TBE is being used in patients with suspected or confirmed achalasia and to follow-up those who have been treated with pneumatic dilation or myotomy. This review discusses technique of performing TBE, interpretation and its utility in clinical practice.