Upper GI Series

What is a GI series?

A GI or gastrointestinal series is an X-ray exam of the esophagus, stomach, and sometimes the small intestine that requires you to drink a liquid called barium.

How do I prepare for this exam?

It is important that you do not eat or drink anything from midnight the night before your exam including water. Also, do not eat or drink the morning of your exam. If your stomach is not empty the study will not be satisfactory or may have to be postponed.

Can I take my usual medication?

Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor before taking any medication on the morning of your exam.

What will happen in the X-ray room?

A radiologist and a technologist will be present. You will be asked to swallow a mildly flavored barium drink. The barium mixture fills your stomach and small intestine so that they can be seen on X-rays. The radiologist will watch this on a special X-ray television screen. Periodically, the radiologist will ask you to change your position or hold your breath so that "snapshots" or spot films may be taken.

Will it Hurt?

No.

How long will the exam take?

The exam of your esophagus and stomach may take up to 30 or 45 minutes.

An exam involving your small intestine may take longer than two hours. This is unpredictable since it depends on how fast the barium moves through the small intestine. We will take an X-ray every half hour to observe the movement of barium through the small intestine.

When may I eat?

You may eat as soon as the exam is over. You should drink plenty of liquids to avoid constipation form the barium. If instructed by the radiologist, you should take four tablespoons of a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia.

How will I learn the results?

Your physician will discuss the results with you.