Offered at: Newmarket clinic.

What Gastric procedures are available at X-Ray Associates?

1. Upper GI Series
2. Small Bowel Follow-Through
3. Barium Enema

What is an Upper GI Series and Small Bowel Follow-Through?

An Upper GI Series (also known as ESD or Esophagus/Stomach/Duodenum study) is an X-ray exam of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of small bowel (Duodenum).  It utilizes a special form of real-time X-ray called fluoroscopy and contrast material called barium.  In addition, baking soda crystals are usually given to improve the diagnostic quality of the images.

A small bowel follow through (SBFT) is a similar study that focuses on the remainder of the small bowel (jejunum to ileum).

How do I prepare for an ESD and/or SBFT?

• Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight
• If your small intestine is being tested, then go on a clear fluid diet from mid day of the day before

How is an ESD and/or SBFT performed?

You will be asked to remove all clothing from your waist up and change into a gown.  The technologist will ask you to swallow a small amount of baking soda crystals.  The Radiologist will administer the barium, and take pictures in a variety of positions.

Upper GI series takes about 15 minutes.  Small bowel follow-throughs are variable in length, depending on how quickly the barium moves through your bowels. It may take 1-3 hours.

After the procedure, you may resume your regular diet and take orally administered medications unless told otherwise by your physician.  Your stools may appear white for the next day until the barium is cleared from your system.  Try to drink a lot of water to clear out the barium from your system and avoid constipation.  If you do experience severe constipation, contact your physician.

For diabetics, please bring any medications or food and juice required to take after your examination.

What is a Barium Enema?

A barium enema is a special X-ray examination of the large bowel (aka. Colon).  It utilizes a special form of real-time X-ray called fluoroscopy and contrast material called barium.  In addition, air is usually also given through the rectal tube to improve the diagnostic quality of the images (“double contrast”).

How can I prepare for a Barium Enema?

You will need the following:

• 1 bottle of Magnesium Citrate (Citromag, 10 oz or 284 ml)
• 4 Dulcolax tablets
• Clear fluids - These are: >1 cup/glass (8oz or 227 ml) of apple juice, consomme, bouillon, clear broth, jello, water, tea and coffee (no cream), soda pop, Kool-aid

2 Days Before Test	Take 2 Dulcolax tablets at bedtime
The Day Prior to Your Test	Have a light breakfast only, before noon (no eggs or dairy foods) No solid food is permitted after 12 noon Drink plenty of CLEAR fluids - at least 8 oz or 227 ml (1 full glass) every 2 hours for 48 hours At 7pm, consume 1 bottle of cold Citromag Keep drinking clear fluids until bowel movements have stopped. If bowel movements have not started by 10pm, take 2 Dulcolax tablets
The Day of the Test	The morning of your examination, 7am, consume Clear fluids - nothing after this

How is a Barium Enema performed?

You will be asked to remove all clothing and change into a gown.  The technologist will position you on your left side on the exam table and will insert a rectal tube into your rectum.  The Radiologist will then infuse barium and air through the tube into your colon.  The table will move and you will be repositioned for a variety of X-rays.  It is important to hold in the barium and air until the exam is complete.  After the study, the tube will be removed and you can then use the washroom to expel the remaining barium and air.

The entire procedure could take up to 45 minutes.

After the procedure, you may resume your regular diet and take orally administered medications unless told otherwise by your physician.  Your stools may appear white for the next day until the barium is cleared from your system.  Try to drink a lot of water for 48 hrs to clear out the barium from your system and avoid constipation.  If you do experience severe constipation, contact your physician.

For diabetics, please bring any medications or food and juice required to take after your examination.