Gastrointestinal Radiology

Upper gastrointestinal tract radiography, often known as upper GI, is an x-ray study of the esophagus, liver, and first section of the small intestine (also known as the duodenum). Images are created using a special type of x-ray called fluoroscopy and oral contrast content, such as barium.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a non-invasive diagnostic examination that helps doctors identify and treat medical conditions. Imaging using x-rays requires the exposure of a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most widely used type of medical imaging.

What are some typical uses of this procedure?

The upper GI test helps to determine the digestive process and can detect:

Ulcers, Tumors, Inflammation of the esophagus, intestine, and duodenum, Hiatal hernia, Blocking, Abnormalities of the GI muscular wall

The technique is also used to help diagnose the causes of symptoms such as:

Difficult swallowing, Chest and stomach pain, Reflux, Unexplained vomiting, and Severe indigestion Blood in the stool 

What are the advantages of this?

•  Upper GI radiograph is an extremely effective, non-invasive technique
• The findings of the upper GI sequence normally lead to a correct assessment of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
•  Since barium is not absorbed in the blood, allergic reactions are extremely rare
•   There is no radiation left in the patient's body following an x-ray test.
•  Typically, X-rays do not have any side effects in the usual diagnostic spectrum for this test

SUBTOPICS

• Barium Enema with air Contrast
• Barium Enema
• Dynamic Pelvic MRI
• CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
• Herniography
• Intravenous Pyelogram
• Evacuation Proctogram (Defecography)