Normal oesophageal transit time on digital radiography.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a simple radiological technique for measuring normal oesophageal transit time.

DESIGN

72 patients with no oesophageal or gastrointestinal complaints underwent manometry and radiological oesophageal transit time (ROTT). ROTT was perfomed using 2 ml of fluid barium on a digital X-ray machine. Digital image acquisition started with the beginning of swallowing using 1 frame/s for 15 s. These images were printed on a single film. The effect of ageing on ROTT was also assessed.

RESULTS

ROTT had a mean value of 10.08 s. ROTT was divided into three segments: proximal-to-left-main-bronchus; retrocardiac; and inferior oesophageal sphincter segments. The mean transit time across these segments was 2.84, 3.07, and 4.15 s, respectively. ROTT in patients over 40 years was longer than in patients under 40 years.

CONCLUSION

ROTT is a physiological, rapid, non-invasive, and reproducible technique for measuring the normal oesophageal transsit time, without discomfort to patients.