Organs covered:

Lower esophagus, stomach and duodenum

Preparation :

Nothing to eat or drink for 10 hours prior to this test.

Procedure :

You will be given about 6-8 oz of barium to drink . The radiologist will observe the functioning and anatomy of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum in different positions and angles on a television monitor. This is a dynamic study and can some times be very fast paced.

Exam time usually is less than 20 minutes, but best to allow 1 hour . After this test , it is important to drink lot of water to avoid constipation.

Contraindications :

Allergy to barium sulphate ( about 1 in 10,000), Gastric obstruction or perforation

Restrictions:

if there is a chance pregnancy, best to defer this test. Maximum weight limit is 300 lbs

UPPER G.I AND SMALL BOWEL

Organs covered: Lower esophagus , stomach, Duodenum and Small bowel.

Total Time for this test can vary from about 2 to 5 hours.

Preparation : Nothing to eat or drink for 10 hours

Procedure :

Contraindications and Restrictions are same as UGI above (34). However, after the initial UGI test, there will be additional pictures taken every 15, 20 or 30 minute intervals for the small bowel until the barium reaches the end of small bowel and beginning of large bowel.

LAP BAND :

Procedure and preparation is similar to UGI, but a shorter procedure.