Examination of the postoperative stomach in a patient is a difficult and often confusing procedure. Traditional methods of investigation have depended on using small amounts of Ba as well as appropriate pressure and positioning. The well-established technique of double-contrast radiography of the upper gastrointestinal tract (with appropriate modifications) is both easier and more diagnostic; moreover, with the exception of suspected perforation or anastomotic rupture, there are no contraindications to the use of gastrointestinal hypotonia, distension and Ba coating of the mucosa regardless of the presenting symptomatology or the acuteness or chronicity of complaints.