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 2.83, 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.