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Medical Author:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is an upper GI series?
• What are the risks of an upper GI series?
• How does a patient prepare for an upper GI series, and how is it performed?
• How does the patient obtain the results of the upper GI series?
• Upper GI Series At A Glance
• Upper GI Series Index

How does a patient prepare for an upper GI series, and how is it performed?

A radiology technologist guides the patient through the upper GI series along with a radiologist (a physician trained in performing and interpreting x-rays). Because an upper GI series involves interpreting images of the gastrointestinal system, it is important that any materials or objects internally or externally that could potentially interfere with interpretation of the x-ray film be avoided. Therefore, prior to an upper GI series, patients are requested not to eat or drink anything from four to eight hours before the procedure. Patients also are asked to remove extraneous clothing and all metallic objects such as jewelry.

• A patient will be positioned behind X-ray equipment called a fluoroscope for X-ray exposure.
  
  
• The patient then is asked to swallow a liquid that contains barium. The barium fills and then coats the lining of the intestinal tract making the adjacent esophagus, stomach and duodenum visible. (X-rays of the stomach and intestine done without barium provide very little detail and information.)
  
  
• X-ray images are obtained at different angles through the chest and abdomen. The X-ray machine (fluoroscope) produces these images by sending X-ray radiation through the tissues of the body to a film on the opposite side of the patient's body. As the radiation penetrates the body, it is absorbed in varying amounts by different body tissues.
  
  
• Due to differences in their composition, the different organs and certain abnormalities and conditions all become visible on the X-ray film, since they block the penetration of the X-ray beam to varying degrees.
  
  
• After development of the film, an image of the organs is revealed. The radiologist then examines the X-rays and can define various normal and abnormal structures of the gastrointestinal system.
  
  
• If needed, further enhancement of the different structures can be obtained by having air as well as barium in the stomach. This is accomplished by swallowing baking soda crystals.

As barium passes through the digestive system, constipation can result, especially in patients prone to constipation. Therefore, it generally is advisable that patients who undergo an upper GI series drink extra fluids after the test and consider a laxative to relieve the bowels of the barium if the barium is not eliminated completely within the next day or two. As it is passing in the stool, barium has a whitish appearance that may be apparent for several days after the test.