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Home Your Health Multimedia Encyclopedia Upper GI and small bowel series

Upper GI and small bowel series

Definition

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

Alternative Names

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

How the test is performed

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.

How to prepare for the test

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.

How the test will feel

The x-ray may cause mild bloating but usually causes no discomfort. The barium milkshake feels chalky as you drink it.

Why the test is performed

This test is done to determine if you have a structural or functional problem in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

Normal Values

The esophagus, stomach, and small intestine are normal in size, shape, and movement.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

• In the esophagus, abnormal results may mean:
  • Achalasia
  • Diverticula
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Esophageal narrowing (stricture) - benign
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Ulcers
• In the stomach, abnormal results may mean:
  • Gastric cancer
  • Gastric ulcer - benign
  • Gastritis
  • Polyps (a tumor that is usually noncancerous and grows on the mucus membrane)
  • Pyloric stenosis (narrowing)
• In the small intestines, the test may reveal:
  • Malabsorption syndrome
  • Swelling and irritation of the small intestines
  • Tumors
  • Ulcers

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Annular pancreas
• Duodenal ulcer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastroparesis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Lower esophageal ring
• Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

What the risks are

There is low radiation exposure, which carries a very small risk of cancer. 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 should usually not have this test. Children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.

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.

Special considerations

The upper GI series should be done after other x-ray procedures, because the barium that remains in the body may block details in other imaging tests.

References

Caroline DF, Kendzierski RM. The stomach. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 31.

Pickhardt PJ. Diagnostic imaging procedures in gastroenterology. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 135.

Review Date: Nov 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.