Barium X-Ray

Upper G.I

The procedure:

An examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

You will have to fast several hours in advance so that the stomach is empty.

The technician will give you a drink containing barium which coats the inner lining of the esophagus and stomach.

Barium swallow

The procedure:

An examination to show the swallowing reflex of patients with certain food consistencies making sure it is passing through the esophagus correctly.

The patient will swallow foods/liquids while the radiologist takes rapid images.

Small Bowel Exam

The procedure:

An examination to show all of the small bowel.

You will drink a big cup of barium and the technologist will take timed images of the abdomen.

A paddle may be used to compress the abdomen to separate the folds of the small bowel.

The Lower G.I

The procedure:

An examination of the large bowel.

You will have a restricted diet containing clear fluids for 2 days prior to your examination.

The night before your exam you will take a laxative to clear out the bowel.

A small tube will be placed in the rectum which will be used to insert the barium and air into the bowel area.

After the procedure:

You will need to go to the washroom to expel the barium and air.

You can eat and drink normally.

Barium can cause constipation, so it is recommended that you drink more fluid than normal to encourage the evacuation of the barium fluid.

Your stool may be coated white for up to 24 hours.

Your doctor will receive the results within a week.