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Pre-Register
You will need to pre-register for your Upper GI and Small Bowel procedure.
Call 1-888-844-0080.
Pre-Register Online
Prior to the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, a "shake" of barium and water (barium contrast material) is swallowed. The barium contrast material is often combined with gas-producing crystals. The physician then tracks the progress of the barium through the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine using fluoroscopy connected to a video monitor. Several x-ray pictures are taken at different times and from different directions.
A small bowel follow-through may be done immediately after a UGI to examine the entire small intestine. An examination of only the throat and esophagus is called an esophagram.
How to Prepare
- Do not eat anything after 7 p.m. the night before your test.
- Do not smoke, chew gum, or drink liquids after midnight.
- If you are having a small bowel exam, be prepared to stay in the radiology department several hours.
If you have any questions about the test, please call the Radiology Department at 704-384-4056.
