Barium X-Ray Exam: Esophagus, Stomach, and Upper Intestine (Upper GI)

What is a barium x-ray exam?

A barium x-ray exam is a procedure in which your health care provider uses a barium liquid and x-rays to examine your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Barium is a liquid that will show up on an x-ray image. A barium exam of these organs is also called an upper gastrointestinal (GI) barium study, or upper GI series.

When is it used?

Reasons for doing this procedure are:

• bleeding
• problems swallowing
• abdominal pain
• suspected tumor in or near the GI tract.

The barium x-ray helps diagnose hiatal hernia, ulcers, tumors, and inflammation or irritation of the esophagus.

How do I prepare for an upper GI barium study?

Follow the instructions provided by your health care provider. The night before the procedure, eat a light meal such as soup and salad. Do not have anything to eat or drink the morning of the procedure. Ask your provider if you should not take any medicines that you usually take in the morning.

What happens during the procedure?

You will drink a barium liquid. The barium is in a flavored drink like a milk shake.

The x-ray technologist will ask you to stand in front of an x-ray machine and then you will lie on an x-ray table that tilts in various positions. A small amount of air may be pumped into your stomach to improve the x-ray picture.

The technologist will take x-rays of the barium liquid going down your throat, into your stomach, and perhaps going on through your small intestine. You will be free to move around between x-rays and will not have to stay on the x-ray table all the time. The test will end when the barium enters your large intestine.

An upper GI series usually takes 1 to 2 hours. In unusual cases it may last up to 6 hours.

What happens after the procedure?

The radiologist may tell you what he or she found and send the complete report to your health care provider. You should call your provider in a few days to hear the whole report.

You can go home after the test is completed. You may be constipated from the barium. If so, you may need to take a laxative. Your stools may be light or white colored for the next few days.

Ask your health care provider what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

This procedure will help health care provider make a more accurate diagnosis.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• You could become constipated.
• You could inhale the barium into your lungs, which could cause breathing problems or pneumonia.

You should ask your health care provider how these risks apply to you.

When should I call my health care provider?

Call your health care provider right away if:

• You have abdominal pain that gets worse.
• You continue to have constipation after taking a laxative.

Call your health care provider during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.
• You want to make another appointment.