Upper GI
DEFINITION: A fluoroscopy and X-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract after swallowing a barium mixture.
PURPOSE: To visualize the physical and functional condition of the stomach and esophagus. The Radiologist will note the motility and thickness of the gastric wall. He or she will also look for spasms, ulcerations, malignant infiltrates and other abnormalities.
PREPARATION:
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight until the examination is completed.
- The morning of examination No Breakfast is permitted, since it would interfere with the examination.
DURING THE EXAM: You will be asked to drink a large glass of the radiopaque barium while the Radiologist is fluoroscoping and taking X-Rays. Additional X-Rays, will be taken by the technologist.
AFTER THE EXAM:
Inpatients: You will be returned to your room and given your breakfast. You may be given Milk of Magnesia. Please inform the Radiology Technologist or your nurse, if you tend to be constipated.
Outpatients: If you tend to be constipated you may need to take up to two tablespoons of milk of magnesia three times a day for two days to facilitate the removal of the barium. It is recommended following any barium procedure that you drink plenty of fluids. |
