BARIUM SWALLOW

Also called an "upper gastrointestinal (GI) series" or simply an "upper GI," upper gastrointestinal tract radiography is an x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (also known as the duodenum).

An upper GI procedure is done to observe digestive function or to detect abnormalities such as ulcers, tumors or inflammation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Patients who undergo this procedure are usually those who have difficulty swallowing, are complaining of chest and abdominal pain or reflux (a backward flow of partially digested food and digestive juices), or have unexplained vomiting, severe indigestion or blood in the stool (indicating internal GI bleeding).