Upper GI (Barium swallow) | Lower GI (Barium Enema)
1. Upper GI (Barium swallow) – ingestion of barium sulfate or meglumine diatrizoate (Gastrografin [white and chalky substance], followed by fluoroscopic and x-ray examination)
- used to determine patency and caliber of the esophagus and to detect esophageal varices, mobility of gastric wall, presence of ulcer, filling defects due to tumor, patency of pyloric valve and presence of structural abnormalities
2. Lower GI (Barium Enema) – rectal instillation of barium sulfate followed by glouroscopic and x-ray examination
- used to determine contour and mobility of colon and presence of any space-occupying tumors. Perform before upper GI
Patients preparations:
- no food after evening meal the evening before the test
- stool softener laxatives and enema suppositories to cleanse the bowel before the test
- NPO after midnight before the test
After care:
- increased fluid intake, food and rest
- laxatives for at least two days or until stools are normal in color and consistency
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