UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL
Diagnosis and
Procedure Overview
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) X-ray is a fluoroscopy exam that is used to investigate problems with the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. The study helps physicians detect and diagnose ulcers, tumors, inflammation, hiatal hernias, blockages and abnormalities of the muscular wall of gastrointestinal tissues.
The procedure is useful if a patient is having difficulty swallowing, reflux, unexplained vomiting, severe indigestion, or blood in the stool.
Patient Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
You will be asked to swallow a special barium drink. The radiologist will use a fluoroscope to take real-time pictures as the barium passes through the digestive tract.
You will be positioned at different angles to help move the barium through different parts of your body. After the upper gastrointestinal tract is adequately coated with the barium, more x-ray images will be taken. To prevent blurry images, you will need to remain still and hold your breath for a few seconds at a time during the X-ray.
The exam is usually completed within 20 to 30 minutes.
An exam of the upper GI is generally performed in the morning to reduce the amount of time a patient has to fast.
Women who may possibly be pregnant should notify the technologist immediately.
You’ll need to fast (no food or drink) for several hours before your exam, typically starting the night before if your appointment is scheduled in the morning. Your doctor will provide specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking, and whether you should take your regular medications.
No, the procedure is not painful. You may feel full or slightly bloated from drinking the barium, and you’ll need to change positions during the exam, but there is no pain involved. Some patients experience mild nausea from the barium, but this is uncommon.
An upper GI X-ray typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. However, you should plan for additional time for check-in and preparation.
The amount of radiation used in an upper GI X-ray is minimal and considered safe for diagnostic purposes. However, if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, inform the technologist immediately, as radiation can affect a developing fetus.