An upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

See also: Barium enema

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

An upper GI and small bowel series is done in a medical office or hospital radiology department.

You may be given an injection of a medication that will temporarily slow muscle movement in the small intestine, so structures can be more easily seen on the x-rays.

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.

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

You may be told to change your diet for 2 or 3 days before the test. Usually, you cannot eat for a period of time before the test.

Be sure to ask your health care provider if there are any medication restrictions. Generally, you can continue taking medications you take by mouth. Never make any changes in your medications without first talking to your health care provider.

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.

Images

Barium ingestion

Stomach ulcer, X-ray

Stomach cancer, X-ray

Volvulus - X-ray

Next Section

Upper GI and small bowel series Results

Review Date: 11/08/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)