What is a water-soluble contrast agent?

Question
Hello doctor,
I heard that when taking an esophagogram, a water-soluble contrast agent is used. Last year, I had esophageal stricture, now I want to go back to check it again, So the doctor asked me what is water-soluble contrast? Can I use contrast dye in my case? Thank you.
Anonymous customer
Answer
Answered by Master, Doctor Pham Quoc Thanh - Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Hello,
With the question “What is water-soluble contrast agent? ", the doctor would like to answer as follows:
In imaging tests, it is necessary to use contrast medium, which is a drug to clarify the organs to be examined, especially the blood vessels or the digestive tract such as the esophagus, stomach , intestines, colon. There are two types of contrast agents used orally: water-insoluble such as Barium sulfate and water-soluble such as Xenetix, Ultravist, Omnipaque.
Water-soluble contrast dye is a type of drug without lime salts, smooth and completely soluble in water, so it is not harmful to the body, absorbed into the blood and this type is usually administered by injection.
With your pathology is esophageal stricture, water-soluble contrast agent will be used to evaluate when taking pictures, which will not cause harm, cause no obstruction at the narrowing site and distinguish the lesions.
If you still have questions about water-soluble contrast agents, you can go to a hospital of Vinmec Health System for further examination and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!