What is the procedure for an upper GI series?

For the procedure, you’ll be asked to stand or sit in front of an x-ray machine and drink barium, which coats the lining of your upper GI tract. You will then lie on the x-ray table, and the radiologist will watch the barium move through your GI tract on the x-ray and fluoroscopy.

Is an upper GI series the same as a barium swallow?

An upper GI series is an examination of the esophagus and stomach using barium to coat the walls of the upper digestive tract so that it may be examined under X-ray. An upper GI that focuses on the esophagus is also known as a barium swallow.

Is upper GI series same as endoscopy?

What is an upper GI endoscopy? An upper GI endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. The upper GI tract includes your food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum).

Why would you have an upper GI test?

Why is this test done? An upper GI series is done to find the cause of symptoms such as vomiting, burping up food, trouble swallowing, poor weight gain, bleeding, or belly pain. It’s used to find narrow spots or blockages in the upper intestinal tract. The test can also find ulcers, polyps, and pyloric stenosis.

Do they put you to sleep for an upper GI?

Most, but not all, people are sedated during the procedure, and will remember little to nothing when they wake up; and very few people have any complications. So, if you are scheduled for an upper endoscopy procedure, here is an overview of what you can expect.

What can I expect after an upper GI?

There is minimal recovery involved with the upper endoscopy procedure, and little discomfort. Post-procedure symptoms may include grogginess from the sedation, a feeling of bloating, sore throat, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and mild pain where the IV was inserted. These usually resolve within 48 hours.

Is barium swallow better than endoscopy?

The barium swallow is a less invasive way to look at the upper GI tract than an endoscopy. Barium swallows are a useful diagnostic tool for checking for upper GI tract disorders that can be easily diagnosed with X-ray alone. More complex disorders require endoscopy.

Is upper GI endoscopy painful?

Your doctor may ask you to swallow as the scope passes down your throat. You may feel some pressure in your throat, but you shouldn’t feel pain.

How long does it take to have an upper GI?

The whole process usually takes about 2 hours. It could take as long as 5 hours if the barium moves slowly in your small intestine.

How do you stay calm during an endoscopy?

Relaxing during an invasive medical procedure is not easy, especially if you are feeling anxious, but following these tips will help you through your procedure. General relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness are also fantastic ways to keep yourself relaxed.