X-rays to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. X-ray pictures are taken after one has swallowed a barium suspension (contrast medium). See also barium enema.

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation (like light). They are of higher energy, however, and can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray. Barium is very dense and will appear white on the X-ray film.

This test may be done in an office or a hospital radiology department. You will be sitting or standing up while your heart, lungs, and abdomen are examined with a fluoroscope (a special X-ray that projects images onto a TV screen-like monitor). You may be given an injection of a medication that will temporarily slow bowel movement, so structures can be more easily imaged. You will then be given a milk shake type drink that has a barium mixture in it. You must drink 16 to 20 oz. for the examination. The passage of the barium through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine is monitored on the fluoroscope. Pictures are taken with you in a variety of positions. The test takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

A "GI series" may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) and small bowel series, and/or a barium enema.

You may be given a restricted diet for 2 or 3 days before the test. The night before the test and the day of the test, you cannot smoke or eat. Generally, oral medications may be taken, however, it is best to check with your doctor before the test. Remove all jewelry.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

• In the esophagus, abnormal results may mean:
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Esophageal stricture (benign)
  • Hiatal hernia (a portion of the stomach protrudes through the esophageal opening)
  • Diverticula (a pouch-like sac that protrudes from the walls of an organ)
  • Ulcers (open sores)
  • Achalasia (esophagus fails to relax)
• In the stomach, abnormal results may mean:
  • Gastric cancer
  • Gastric ulcer; benign
  • Polyps (a tumor that is usually noncancerous that grows on the mucous membrane)
  • Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
  • Pyloric stenosis (a narrowing of the opening from the stomach)
• In the small intestines the test may reveal:
  • Tumors
  • Malabsorption syndrome (inadequate absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract)
  • Inflammation of the small intestines

• Alcoholic neuropathy
• Annular pancreas
• CMV gastroenteritis/colitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Duodenal ulcer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastroparesis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Lower esophageal ring (Schatzki's)
• Ovarian cancer
• Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.

Barium may cause constipation. Consult your health care provider if the barium has not passed through your system by 2 or 3 days after the exam.

This examination should be performed after other X-ray procedures, because the barium that is retained may obscure the details on other films.