Barium swallow x-ray

Definition

An upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. These x-rays are taken after the patient has swallowed barium, which shows up on x-rays. See also barium enema (lower GI series).

Alternative Names

GI series; Barium swallow x-ray; Upper GI series

Why the Barium swallow x-ray is Performed

The purpose of the test is to detect anatomical (structure) or functional abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

How the Barium swallow x-ray is Performed

This test may be done in an office or in a hospital radiology department. You will be sitting or standing up while your heart, lungs, and abdomen are examined with a fluoroscope (a type of x-ray that projects images onto a monitor like a TV screen).

You may be given an injection of a medication that will temporarily slow bowel movement, so structures can be more easily seen on the x-rays. You will then be given a drink like a milkshake that has a barium mixture in it. You must drink 16 - 20 oz. for the examination.

The passage of the barium through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine is monitored on the fluoroscope. Pictures are taken with you in a variety of positions. The test usually takes around three hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 6 hours to complete.

A GI series may include this test or a barium enema.

How to Prepare for the Barium swallow x-ray

You may be given a restricted diet for 2 or 3 days before the test. You will likely be told not to smoke or eat for a period of time before the test. Generally, you can continue medications you take by mouth.

Be sure to check with your health care provider regarding any dietary or medication restrictions before the test. Never stop taking or decrease medications without talking to your health care provider.

Remove all jewelry before the test.

How the Barium swallow x-ray Will Feel

The x-ray causes no discomfort. The barium milkshake feels chalky as you drink it.

Risks

There is low radiation exposure, which carries a measurable but small risk of cancer. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.

Barium may cause constipation. Consult your health care provider if the barium has not passed through your system by 2 or 3 days after the exam.

Considerations

The upper GI series should be done after other x-ray procedures, because the barium that remains in the body may block details in other imaging tests.

Normal Results

The esophagus, stomach, and small intestine are normal in size and shape.

What Abnormal Results Mean

• In the esophagus, abnormal results may mean:
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Benign esophageal stricture
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Diverticula
  • Ulcers
  • Achalasia
• In the stomach, abnormal results may mean:
  • Gastric cancer
  • Benign gastric ulcer
  • Polyps (a tumor that is usually non-cancerous and grows on the mucous membrane)
  • Gastritis
  • Pyloric stenosis
• In the small intestines, the test may reveal:
  • Tumors
  • Malabsorption syndrome
  • Swelling and irritation of the small intestines

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Alcoholic neuropathy
• Annular pancreas
• CMV gastroenteritis/colitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Duodenal ulcer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastroparesis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Lower esophageal ring
• Ovarian cancer
• Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

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