Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre7A Block R-3, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92 42 3590 5000 Ext 4133 - 4134 | Fax: +92 42 3594 5150 www.shaukatkhanum.org.pk

in using your saliva.

Your stool may appear white for more than one

day as your body is clearing your system. You

may experience some constipation after the

exam, which can be treated with a laxative. You

will be encouraged to drink large quantities of

fluids to help rid your body of the contrast

material. If you do not have any bowel

movement for more than two days after the

exam or cannot pass gas, call your physician

immediately.

You should be allowed to resume your regular

diet and medications, and activities following the

procedure, unless advised otherwise by your

physician.

Who interprets my results and how do Iget them?

A radiologist will analyse your results and send

a signed report to your primary care or referring

physician, who will share the results with you.

NOTES

PG

S/R

AD

/10

6/ 0

1/E

Patient Guide Series

GETTING AN

UPPER GI TRACT X-RAY

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospitaland Research Centre

What is an upper gastrointestinal (GI)tract x-ray?

X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used

form of medical imaging. It is a painless medical

test that helps physicians diagnose and treat

medical conditions and involves exposing a part

of the body to a small and safe dose of radiation

to produce pictures of the inside of the body.

An upper GI tract x-ray produces images of the

pharynx, oesophagus, stomach and part of the

small intestines known as the duodenum using

fluoroscopy, which allows your radiologist to see

internal organs in motion, and oral contrast

material, a dye that enhances the visibility of

internal structures.

Why do I need to have this procedure?

Your physician has probably asked to you to have

an upper GI tract x-ray to locate ulcers, tumours,

inflammations, blockages, or abnormalities in the

muscular wall of gastrointestinal tissues. This

procedure is often used to determine the cause of

chest or abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing,

reflux, blood in stool, unexplained vomiting or

severe indigestion.

How can I prepare for the procedure?

Your physician will give you detailed instructions

on how to prepare for this procedure. You will

most likely be instructed not to eat or drink after

midnight on the night before your exam. You will

also be asked to avoid smoking or chewing gum.

You may also be asked to take a mild laxative

the evening before the procedure to clean your

bowels before your exam. You may also need to

have the contents of your stomach removed

using a special tube inserted through your nose

before you’re your exam.

You may be asked to remove your clothing and

wear a gown during the procedure.

Remove all metal objects such as jewellery,

eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins. These

objects can affect x-ray images and should be

removed prior to your exam.

Is there any information I should relay tomy physician before the scan?

Be sure to inform your physician of any recent

illnesses or other medical conditions. You should

also notify your physician of any allergies,

especially to contrast material. You will receive

specific instructions regarding any changes that

need to be made to your regular medication

schedule.

Women should always let their physician or

technologist if there is a possibility that they are

pregnant because the x-rays can harm your

baby. If an x-ray is absolutely necessary, we will

take precautions to minimise radiation exposure

to the baby.

How is the procedure performed?

Your technologist will give you a liquid form of

contrast material with the texture of a milkshake

to drink. The radiologist will watch the contrast

material pass through the digestive tract using a

fluoroscope. You will be positioned on the exam

table and the table will be positioned at different

angles. Your abdomen may be compressed to

help spread the contrast material. Once this is

complete, series of x-rays is taken.

You will be asked stay still and hold your breath

for a few seconds while the image is being

captured. If you are to have a double contrast

upper GI tract x-ray, you will be asked to swallow

baking soda crystals which create gas in the

stomach while more x-rays are captured.

Next, your technologist will ask you to wait until

they have determined that your images are

readable.

The entire procedure is completed within 20

minutes.

What will I experience during and afterthe procedure?

The texture of the contrast material is thick and

chalky, which may be unpleasant or difficult to

swallow. The taste is masked with a strawberry

or chocolate flavour. You may be asked to drink

additional contrast material during the

procedure.

You may experience some discomfort when the

exam table changes positions or when pressure

is placed on your abdomen. In some cases, you

may feel nauseous or bloated. If you have

received the baking soda crystals, you may feel

the urge to burp but you will be asked to hold it