An upper gastrointestinal with small bowel series is an imaging test that assesses the esophagus, stomach, and then follows barium down through the small intestines. During this procedure, a person drinks a liquid that shows up clearly on X-rays. This substance coats the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines, enhancing the visibility of any abnormalities, like motility problems (gastroparesis), blockages, and infection. 

PREPARATION:

No eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking after midnight the night before the exam.

This exam can take anywhere from one to three hours, so we recommend patients wear comfortable clothing and bring reading material with them.