Stay Informed

A GI series (barium enema) is a set of X-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. X-rays are taken after the patient has swallowed a barium suspension (contrast medium) or injected barium through the anus.

• Confirm diagnosis of colon cancer, gastric cancer, ulcer, bowel inflammatory disease, and etc. 
• Detects polyps and structural changes in the GI tract.
• Dyspepsia. 
• Body weight loss.
• Change in bowel habit
• GI tract hemorrhage 

• Lower GI series:

1. 3 days prior to the examination: low residue diet.
2. On the day prior to examination: fluid only and take Ducolax at 8 a.m. and 6p.m. for cleansing enemas . 
3. Nil orally for 4 hours prior to the examination.

• Upper GI and small intestine series:

1. Nil orally for 4 hours prior to the examination.
2. No smoking on the day
3. Generally, oral medications may be taken. 

• There is low radiation exposure. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of X ray.
• A more serious risk is a perforated GI tract, which is very rare.
• Aspiration for upper GI series.

The patient should be warned that his bowel motion will be white for a few days after the examination, and keep his bowels open with laxatives to avoid impaction, which can be painful.