A barium swallow and upper GI series examine the esophagus (swallowing tube), the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. A small bowel series examines the loops of the small intestine to the point at which it connects with the colon (large intestine).
These tests are typically used to diagnose ulcers, inflammation, obstructions, and other irregularities.
How do I prepare?
Please plan to arrive at the Imaging Services Department 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. You will be asked not to eat anything after midnight the day before the test. On the morning of the study, refrain from eating or drinking prior to the test. You should consult your physician if you are diabetic or if you are scheduled to take any medications during the 24 hours before your appointment.
What can I expect during the procedure?
A technologist will help you onto an adjustable table so that X-rays can be taken from several angles. You will then be given a flavored barium solution to drink. If necessary, you may also be asked to drink a carbonated beverage or medication that produces gas. You will be asked to roll around on the table to coat the gastrointestinal tract with the barium solution to optimize images. This improves the clarity of the X-ray. You may feel bloated during the procedure.
A barium swallow and upper GI series may take as long as one hour to complete. A small bowel series takes from one to four hours to complete.
After the test?
Drink plenty of fluids. Unless otherwise notified, you may return to your regular diet and resume normal activities. Occasionally, a laxative or enema may be necessary to prevent constipation; consult your physician. Your bowel movements may look chalky for a day or two after the procedure.
How and when will I get my test results?
Typically, within 48 hours a written report of your test results will be sent to your referring physician, who will review them with you. Additional time (3 to 5 days) may be required if we are comparing these test results to previous findings from another hospital.
Where are these tests performed?
Barium Swallows, Upper GI Series, and Small Bowel Series are performed in the Imaging Services Department at Cayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Drive off NYS Route 96 in Ithaca.
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Barium Enema (Lower GI Series)Imaging (Radiology) Procedures
What is the test?
The barium enema is used to examine the colon, also called the large intestine, which runs from the small intestine to the rectum. This is an X-ray procedure that utilizes a contrast medium to detect changes in the lining of the colon.
How do I prepare?
Your colon must be empty at the time of the barium enema. The day before your test, begin a clear diet at noon (broth, water, tea, soft drinks, bouillon, and gelatin are allowed, but coffee is not allowed). At 6:00 p.m., the evening before your exam, administer a Fleet Phosphosoda Enema, following the instructions on the package. (The enema can be obtained over the counter at a pharmacy.) Continue a clear liquid diet until the after the test has been completed.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Please plan to arrive at the Imaging Services Department 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. The procedure typically takes about an hour. A technologist will help you onto an adjustable X-ray table. A small tube will be carefully inserted into your rectum and secured with a small balloon that will be inflated once in your rectum. Barium will then be injected into the tube to fill your colon. In most cases, air will also be injected through the rectal tube to optimize imaging. You will be asked to lie as still as possible while X-rays are being taken in various positions.
What happens after the test?
When the X-rays are completed, you will have the chance to empty your bowels. You may also be given a laxative or enema to avoid constipation. Drink lots of fluids and eat what you normally do. Your bowel movements may look chalky for a day or two after the procedure, which is to be expected.
How and when will I get my test results?
Typically, within 48 hours a written report of your test results will be sent to your referring physician, who will review them with you. Additional time (3 to 5 days) may be required if we are comparing these test results to previous findings from another hospital or health-care provider.
Where is the test performed?
Barium enemas are performed in the Imaging Services Department at Cayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Drive off NYS Route 96 in Ithaca.
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Small Bowel Series
What is the test?
A small bowel series examines the loops of the small intestine to the point
at which it connects with the colon (large intestine).
This test is typically used to diagnose ulcers, inflammation, obstructions,
and other irregularities.
How do I prepare?
You will be asked not to eat anything after midnight the day before the test.
On the morning of the study, refrain from eating or drinking prior to the test.
You should consult your physician if you are diabetic or if you are scheduled to
take any medications during the 24 hours before your appointment.
What can I expect during the procedure?
A technician will help you onto an adjustable table so that X-rays can be
taken from several angles. You will then be given a flavored barium solution to
drink. If necessary, you may also be asked to drink a carbonated beverage or
medication that produces gas. You will generally be asked to roll around on the
table to coat the gastrointestinal tract with the barium solution to optimize
images. This improves the clarity of the X-ray. You may feel bloated for awhile
during the procedure.
A small bowel series takes from one to four hours to complete.
After the test?
Drink plenty of fluids. Unless otherwise notified, you may return to your
regular diet and resume normal activities. Occasionally, a laxative or enema may
be necessary to prevent constipation--consult your physician. Your bowel
movements may look chalky for a day or two after the procedure.
How and when will I get my test results?
Typically, within 48 hours a written report of your test results will be sent
to your referring physician, who will review them with you. Additional time (3
to 5 days) may be required if we are comparing these test results to previous
findings from another hospital.
Where are these tests performed?
Small Bowel Series is performed in the Imaging Services Department at Cayuga
Medical Center, 101 Dates Drive off NYS Route 96 in Ithaca.
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