Rochester Radiology | Imaging with Insight | For Our Patients: Preparing for Your Visit-Upper Gastrointestinal

About the Exam
The upper gastrointestinal examination is the most common method of diagnosing problems in the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, duodenum (first part of the small intestine), and the small intestine. The Upper GI uses barium sulfate (a thick, chalky liquid) and a fluoroscope, which is like an x-ray video camera, to take pictures of your upper gastrointestinal tract. This exam is painless and safe.

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, discuss this with your physician before undergoing this procedure.

Before the Exam

•	Do not eat or drink anything from 10 p.m. the night before the exam until the exam is completed.
•	Do not smoke or chew gum the morning of your exam.

During the Exam
You will change from your clothing into an examining gown. The x-ray technologist positions you on the examining table beneath the fluoroscope. The technologist gives you a cup of barium liquid and asks you to drink some from time to time.

The technologist takes x-ray pictures while watching the barium go through your GI tract. The technologist changes your position throughout the exam to get a better view of one area or another. The technologist may also apply pressure to your abdominal wall to force the barium into certain locations.

This procedure takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Small Bowel Follow Through
After an Upper GI series, many patients are also scheduled for a small bowel follow through. If your small intestine is also being examined, you are given more barium to drink following the Upper GI. The technologist takes x-rays every half-hour until the barium has passed through the entire small intestine.

This entire process takes from one to four hours.

After the Exam
Once the exam is completed, resume your diet and usual activities. Eat normally and drink plenty of liquids. The barium usually passes out in small amounts over the next few days. It’s normal for barium to give a whitish color to your bowel movements for a day or two.

A radiologist evaluates the results of your exam. Rochester Radiology sends a report of the results to your physician so she or he can make a diagnosis and explain to you what the findings mean.

We encourage you to contact us at any time to discuss your questions and concerns.