Oesophageal Scan

Patient Information Sheet

What is an Oesophageal Scan?

An oesophageal scan is a specialized imaging test that evaluates how food and liquids move through your oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach) and checks for any reflux (backward flow of contents) from the stomach. This test uses a small amount of radioactive tracer added to food or liquid, which is then tracked by a special camera (gamma camera) as it travels through your digestive system.

Why Might I Need an Oesophageal Scan?

Your doctor may recommend this scan to:

In Children:

• Detect anatomical abnormalities of the oesophagus present from birth
• Evaluate swallowing difficulties or abnormal swallowing patterns
• Investigate repeated chest infections that might be caused by food or liquid entering the lungs
• Assess gastroesophageal reflux (when stomach contents flow back up)

In Adults:

• Evaluate swallowing problems or food getting stuck
• Investigate chest pain or discomfort during eating
• Assess motility disorders (abnormal movement of the oesophagus)
• Investigate persistent reflux symptoms or respiratory problems that might be related to reflux

How Does an Oesophageal Scan Work?

The scan works by:

1. Adding a small amount of radioactive tracer (Tc-99m pertechnetate) to food or liquid
2. As you swallow, a special camera (gamma camera) tracks the movement of this tracer
3. The camera creates images showing how the food or liquid moves through your oesophagus
4. Additional images track whether any material returns up the oesophagus (reflux) or enters the lungs
5. For some patients, the test also measures how quickly food moves through the oesophagus (transit time)

Preparing for Your Oesophageal Scan

• You will need to fast (not eat or drink) for 4-6 hours before the test
  • Adults: Usually overnight fasting is required
  • Children: Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your child’s age
• Continue taking your regular medications unless instructed otherwise
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal in the chest area

What to Expect During the Procedure

For Adults:

1. Practice Phase
   • You’ll be given normal fluid to practice swallowing before the actual test
2. Swallowing Phase
   • You’ll be positioned in front of the gamma camera
   • First, you’ll be asked to dry swallow (without liquid) for 30 seconds while being imaged
   • Then you’ll swallow 4 small amounts of liquid containing the radioactive tracer
   • This initial imaging takes about 4 minutes
3. Monitoring Phase
   • You’ll continue to be imaged every 10 seconds for the next hour
   • This monitors how the tracer moves through your oesophagus and stomach
   • You’ll need to remain relatively still during this time
4. Follow-up Images
   • Additional images may be taken at 4-6 hours after the test
   • In some cases, a final image may be taken 24 hours later
   • These later images check if any material has entered the lungs

For Children:

1. The procedure is similar but adapted for children
2. Instead of individual swallows, children are typically given a bottle with milk or formula containing the tracer
3. The child drinks normally for about 4 minutes
4. Imaging continues as with adults, though the timing may be adjusted based on the child’s age and cooperation

After Your Oesophageal Scan

• You can resume eating and drinking as soon as the initial imaging is complete
• You should return for any scheduled later images (if applicable)
• No special precautions are needed after the test
• The small amount of radiation used will naturally leave the body, primarily through urine and stool
• A nuclear medicine specialist will analyze your images and send a report to your doctor
• Your doctor will discuss the results with you at your next appointment

Are There Any Risks?

The oesophageal scan uses a very small amount of radiation. The benefits of the information gained from the scan far outweigh any potential risks from this minimal radiation exposure. The test is non-invasive and painless.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oesophageal scan, please discuss them with your healthcare provider.