
Imaging & Ultrasound Inc.
Ultrasounds, 3-D Imaging, X-Rays, Bariums, Mammography, IVPs, PACs, Biopsies
Small Bowel Follow Through
Upper GI and Small Bowel Series
An upper GI and small bowel series is an X-ray procedure to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Before the x-rays are taken, you must drink 16 – 20 ounces of a milkshake-like drink that contains a substance called barium, which shows up well on x-rays.
An x-ray method called fluoroscopy tracks how the barium moves through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Pictures are taken with you in a variety of positions. You may be sitting or standing. The test usually takes around 3 hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 6 hours to complete.
Usually, you cannot eat for a period of time before the test. You will be asked to remove all jewelry on your neck, chest, or abdomen before the test.
The x-ray may cause mild bloating but usually causes no discomfort. The barium milkshake feels chalky as you drink it.
This test is done to determine if you have a structural or functional problem in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.
In the esophagus, abnormal results may mean one of the following: â–ª Achalasia â–ª Diverticula â–ª Esophageal abnormalities â–ª Hiatal hernias â–ª Ulcers
In the stomach, abnormal results may mean: â–ª Gastric cancer â–ª Gastric ulcers- benign â–ª Gastritis â–ª Polyps â–ª Pyloric stenosis (narrowing)
In the small intestines, the test may reveal: â–ª Malabsorption syndrome â–ª Swelling and irritation of the small intestines â–ª Tumors â–ª Ulcers
