Digestive Diseases: X-Ray Exams of the Digestive Tract

There are several commonly performed X-ray tests that allow your doctor to examine your digestive tract from the esophagus to the rectum.

These tests utilize barium or an iodine-containing agent that allows visualization of the digestive tract and a form of X-ray machine called fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy allows part of the body to be studied in motion and recorded on a video monitor.

Fluoroscopic examinations of your GI tract may be performed in a doctor's office, a commercial X-ray facility, or a hospital. These tests are usually called either an "upper GI" or a barium or contrast enema or a "lower GI", depending on the organs to be studied.

Upper GI Tests

Upper GI tests use X-rays to examine the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). See the article The Digestive System to learn more about these organs.

For these tests, a person is required to drink barium. As the barium passes through the digestive tract, it fill and coats the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine making them more visible with X-ray. Then a fluroscope machine is held over the part of the body being examined and transmits continuous images to a video monitor.

This test is used to diagnose:

• Hiatal hernias
• Ulcers
• Tumors
• Esophageal varices
• Obstruction or narrowing of the upper GI tract

It may also be used to determine the causes of:

• Swallowing problems
• Reflux symptoms (dyspepsia or heartburn)
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained vomiting, weight loss, or bleeding

There are several types of tests used to view the upper GI tract, including:

• Barium swallow. This is an X-ray test that examines how food moves down the esophagus to the stomach. Approximate time: 30 minutes
• Modified barium swallow. This test looks at the beginning of swallowing from the mouth to the pharynx and down to the esophagus. Approximate time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Upper GI series. This is an X-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. Approximate time: 30-45 minutes
• Small bowel series. This is an X-ray examination of the small intestine (small bowel). Approximate time: 2 to 4 hours, depending upon how long it takes for the barium to reach the colon.

Lower GI Tests

Lower GIs or barium enemas are used to examine the large intestine and the rectum. For this test, barium or an iodine-containing liquid is introduced gradually into the colon through a tube inserted into the rectum. As the barium passes through the lower intestines, it fills the colon, allowing the radiologist to see growths or polyps and areas that are narrowed. The fluoroscope is held over the part of the body being examined and transmits continuous images to the video monitor.

This test is used to detect:

• Colon polyps
• Tumors
• Diverticular disease
• Gastroenteritis
• Strictures or sites of narrowing and obstruction
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Other causes of abdominal pain or blood, mucus, or pus in the stool