What is a GI series?

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.

What is the purpose of test?

• 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 

How does the patient prepare?

• Lower GI series:
• 3 days prior to the examination: low residue diet.
• On the day prior to examination: fluid only and take Ducolax at 8 a.m. and 6p.m. for cleansing enemas.
• Nil orally for 4 hours prior to the examination.
• Upper GI and small intestine series:
• Nil orally for 4 hours prior to the examination.
• No smoking on the day
• Generally, oral medications may be taken.

What are the risks?

• There is low radiation exposure. However, please note that 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.

How is the aftercare?

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.