A method of radiological examination for suspected rupture of the oesophagus is described, injecting a water soluble medium down a Ryle's tube whilst withdrawing it slowly through the oesophagus.Six cases of suspected perforation of the oesophagus are described. In the first case a conventional swallow failed to localise the site of the perforation because of tracking of medium in the para-oesophageal tissues. In the remaining five cases the method recommended demonstrated the site and extent of a perforation when present.