Gastrointestinal series

Gastrointestinal series is a medical procedure used to examine the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It involves the use of a substance called barium and X-rays.

Procedure

The patient is asked to drink a liquid that contains barium. The barium coats the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines so that they can be seen on an X-ray. For the lower gastrointestinal series, the barium is delivered into the rectum as an enema. A series of X-ray images are then taken to examine the digestive tract.

Uses

The gastrointestinal series is used to diagnose problems in the digestive tract such as ulcers, tumors, inflammation of the intestine, and structural abnormalities. It can also be used to monitor the progress of these conditions.

Risks

While the procedure is generally safe, there are some risks associated with it. These include allergic reactions to the barium, constipation caused by the barium, and exposure to radiation. However, the benefits of the procedure usually outweigh these risks.

Preparation

Before the procedure, the patient may be asked to follow a special diet and take laxatives to clean out the intestines. They should also inform the doctor of any medications they are taking as these may need to be adjusted.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, the patient can usually return to their normal diet and activities. They may notice a change in the color of their stools due to the barium. This is normal and should pass within a few days.

See Also

• Barium Enema
• Upper Gastrointestinal Series
• Lower Gastrointestinal Series