Fluoroscopy: Upper Gastrointestinal Exam (UGI)

An UGI is an exam that visualizes the throat, the stomach, and the first part of the intestines. It is performed in a specialized radiology exam room with a fluoroscope. A fluoroscope is an advanced x-ray machine that allows images to be taken during movement, much like a home video camera, which are displayed on a television monitor in the room. An UGI does require that the patient consume barium to outline the gastric structures during which images will be captured with the fluoroscope. The entire exam will take about 30 minutes, during which the patient is instructed to drink barium and move around into specific positions. A radiologist and radiology technologist will be present for the exam.

Before arriving at the radiology department, the patient must not have consumed any food or drink since midnight. When arriving at the radiology department, the patient is first asked to change into a hospital-provided gown for the exam. The gown is to ensure that no unusual presentations occur on the image from the patient’s clothing. It also ensures that should any barium be accidentally spilled, it is not spilled on the patient’s personal clothing. Underpants, socks, shoes, rings and watches may be worn during the exam, but necklaces and earrings cannot be worn.

The exam procedure is as follows:

  1. An abdomen x-ray is first taken.
  2. The x-ray table is raised to an upright position.
  3. The patient, while standing, will drink barium while the radiologist monitors the drinking on the fluoroscope. During this time, the patient will also be asked to consume a teaspoon amount of crystals that produce air in the stomach. The patient will feel like burping, but is asked to try not to burp until the exam is done. The air produced by the crystals greatly aids in the quality of the exam.
  4. After standing and drinking barium, the x-ray table is returned to a horizontal position and the patient will be asked to lie on the table and roll from side to side. Additional barium will be consumed while the patient is on the table.
  5. During the exam, the radiologist will be taking several images with the fluoroscope, so you will hear some noise when still images are taken. Once the radiologist has all of the necessary images, the exam is over.
  6. Sometimes this exam is combined with a small bowel follow through exam, which focuses on the small bowel portion of the intestines. If you are having a small bowel follow through, please refer to that exam for information.

Afterwards, the patient is able to resume all activities immediately. The patient is strongly encouraged to drink plenty of water and fluids for the next few days to prevent constipation from the barium. A report will be generated in 3-5 days and be available to your doctor. Films and reports can be obtained from our Image Library.

Each individual patient will have specific needs and concerns that we will address before your study begins. Please feel free to ask us questions at any time.