Lower gastrointestinal series

Lower gastrointestinal series is a medical procedure used to examine and diagnose problems with the human colon. The procedure involves the use of barium sulfate and X-ray imaging to create detailed images of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Procedure

The lower gastrointestinal series begins with the patient ingesting a liquid solution containing barium sulfate. This substance is radiopaque, meaning it blocks X-rays. The barium coats the lining of the colon, making it visible on an X-ray image.

The patient is then positioned on an X-ray table and the radiologist takes a series of images. The patient may be asked to move into different positions to allow for images from various angles. The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour.

Uses

A lower gastrointestinal series is used to diagnose a variety of conditions affecting the colon. These may include diverticulosis, polyps, cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with a lower gastrointestinal series. These may include allergic reactions to the barium, constipation caused by the barium, and exposure to radiation. However, the benefits of diagnosing potentially serious conditions generally outweigh these risks.

See also

• Upper gastrointestinal series
• Barium enema
• Colonoscopy