An
upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract study is an
x-ray the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and the duodenum. examination of the pharynx,
esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine or duodenum. The procedure is performed using
fluoroscopy (x-ray in motion) after the patient has drunk barium, a
contrast agent that helps illuminate the gastrointestinal tract. T
There is also an x-ray examination, called a barium swallow that evaluates only the pharynx and esophagus.
In addition to drinking barium, some patients are also given baking-soda crystals to further improve the images. This procedure is called an air-contrast or double-contrast upper GI.
- Ulcers
- Tumors
- Inflammation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
- Hiatal hernias
- Scarring
- Blockages
- Abnormalities of the muscular wall of gastrointestinal tissues
The procedure can also detect:
- Chest and abdominal pain
- Reflux, a backward flow of partially digested food and digestive juices
- Unexplained vomiting
- Severe indigestion
- Blood in the stool, an indication of internal bleeding
A lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract study examines the large intestine or colon. The test looks at the right or ascending colon, the transverse colon, the left or descending colon and the rectum. The appendix and a portion of the small intestine may also be seen during the procedure.
The radiologist may able to diagnose ulcers, benign tumors or polyps, cancer or other intestinal disorders.
The procedure is helpful in detecting:
An
upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract study is an
x-ray the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and the duodenum. examination of the pharynx,
esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine or duodenum. The procedure is performed using
fluoroscopy (x-ray in motion) after the patient has drunk barium, a
contrast agent that helps illuminate the gastrointestinal tract. T
There is also an x-ray examination, called a barium swallow that evaluates only the pharynx and esophagus.
In addition to drinking barium, some patients are also given baking-soda crystals to further improve the images. This procedure is called an air-contrast or double-contrast upper GI.
- Ulcers
- Tumors
- Inflammation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
- Hiatal hernias
- Scarring
- Blockages
- Abnormalities of the muscular wall of gastrointestinal tissues
The procedure can also detect:
- Chest and abdominal pain
- Reflux, a backward flow of partially digested food and digestive juices
- Unexplained vomiting
- Severe indigestion
- Blood in the stool, an indication of internal bleeding
A lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract study examines the large intestine or colon. The test looks at the right or ascending colon, the transverse colon, the left or descending colon and the rectum. The appendix and a portion of the small intestine may also be seen during the procedure.
The radiologist may able to diagnose ulcers, benign tumors or polyps, cancer or other intestinal disorders.
The procedure is helpful in detecting: