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Upper Gastrointestinal
Series (UGI) is an examination of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
to check for abnormality, such as ulcers, tumors, skin outgrowth,
and inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum. | |
Preparing for the exam:
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Patient must refrain from eating or drinking at least 6 hours before the exam | |
During the exam:
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Patient takes a medicine to create gas in the
stomach and drinks liquid filled with barium sulfate, which coats
the anatomy and allow it to show up on radiographic
images. |
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Patient is required to change position often
according to the radiologist' s instruction, such as lying on the
back, lying on the front, lying sideway, and then standing up to
ensure that the barium is coating all parts of the esophagus and
stomach. The radiologist takes pictures of the patient' s anatomy at
various intervals throughout the
process. | |
After the exam:
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Patient may be
constipated and thus, should drink plenty of liquid, eat fiber rich
food, and take mild laxative (if desire) in order to flush the
barium sulfate out of the body. During this time, the stool may
appear more pale than
usual. | |
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