What is
an X-ray?
Most people are familiar with x-ray
images, which produce a still picture of the body's interior
by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through
the body, and capturing the resulting shadows and reflections
on film. Different tissues, such as bone, blood vessels, muscles
and other soft tissues, absorb x-ray radiation at different
rates. When a special film plate is exposed to the absorbed
x-rays, an image of the inside of the body is captured.
Lower GI
(Barium Enema)
The patient is positioned on the
table, and a preliminary film is obtained to check for adequacy
of the bowel preparation. A mixture of barium and water is passed
into the patient's colon through a small tube inserted into
the rectum. To help the barium thoroughly coat the lining of
the colon, air may also be injected through the tube. Then a
series of images is captured. The patient may be repositioned
frequently to enable the radiologist or technologist to capture
views of their colon from several angles. During the study,
the radiologist will monitor the delivery of barium and take
or request special views or close-ups. The technologist may
then take additional images to help the doctor see how well
the colon has cleared. The patient is then released. A lower
GI study typically takes approximately 60 minutes.
Upper GI/Small
Bowel
Examination of the upper intestinal
tract, including the esophagus, stomach and the small intestines.
You will be asked to drink a barium liquid to outline the stomach
and small intestine.
Flouroscopy
Exam Prep
