An upper GI and small bowel series is a special X-ray test. It allows the doctor to see the upper part of the digestive tract. This area includes the esophagus, the stomach, and the small intestines.
This test may be ordered to investigate many different problems. These include: abdominal painbleeding in the stomach or the bowelsbloatingdiarrheafood intolerancegasheartburnindigestionvomiting
This test may also be used to evaluate the results of, or complications from, surgery on the upper digestive tract.
The person is asked to undress and put on a hospital gown. The technologist will then take a regular X-ray of the abdomen.
Next, the individual drinks a large glass of chalky liquid called barium. The barium coats internal structures and makes them show up on the X-ray film.
Sometimes, the person is also asked to swallow a carbonated powder to produce gas in the stomach. This helps provide contrast to the barium and makes visualization easier.
As the barium flows through the digestive tract, multiple X-rays are taken with the person in different positions. This is so the entire gut can be seen from all sides.
During the test, the technologist may press on the individual's stomach with a lead glove or paddle. X-rays are usually done every 15 or 30 minutes to follow the dye as it moves through the digestive tract. When the barium reaches the large bowel, the test is finished.
The individual is asked to refrain from drinking or eating for 8 hours before the test. Because the x-rays may harm an unborn child, a pregnancy test should be done if there is any question that a woman considered for this exam might be pregnant.
Before the exam, the person must remove all jewelry and metal objects since these may interfere with the X-ray pictures. The healthcare professional will tell the individual if any other preparations are required.
The X-rays may show several different abnormalities including: esophageal abnormalities, such as esophageal atresia(inadequate development of the esophagus)cancernoncancerous tumorspeptic ulcer diseasepoor function (motility) of the esophagus.
The test can also detect other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a disorder in which the stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus.
