upper GI series with small bowel follow-through

Introduction

X-ray contrast studies of the upper GI tract, including the proximal small intestine.

Indications

• evaluation of esophageal disease
  • achalasia
  • Meckel's diverticulum
  • esophageal cancer
  • esophageal stricture
  • lower esophageal ring
  • hiatal hernia
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
    • esophageal ulcer
• evaluation of gastric disease
  • gastric cancer
  • gastric ulcer
  • gastritis
  • gastric polyp
  • pyloric stenosis
  • gastroparesis
• evaluation of intestinal disease
  • malabsorption syndrome
  • intestinal edema
  • intestinal neoplasm
  • duodenal ulcer
  • intestinal obstruction
  • ileus
• other
  • annular pancreas

Procedure

• contrast (barium) is swallowed & X-rays are taken at various times to examine the mucosal surfaces of the esophagus, stomach, & small intestine
• procedure takes 1-2 hours, up to 3-4 hours for visualization of the small intestine.

More general terms

• radiography (roentgenography)

Patient information

upper GI series patient information