What is an upper GI series, with or without small bowel follow-through?
An upper GI (gastrointestinal) series is a type of X-ray procedure in that the child drinks a substance called barium that fills and coats the intestines, allowing the radiologist to accurately diagnose many illnesses that affect the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. In the upper GI (UGI) series, the study is limited to the esophagus, stomach, and first portion of the small intestine. In a study with small bowel follow-through (SBFT), the remainder of the small intestines is also studied. When should I get an UGI/SBFT? Some of the indications for UGI include vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract, and poor weight gain. How should the patient prepare for the procedure? The patient may not eat for some time prior to the procedure. Exactly how long depends on the age and weight of the patient. In general, the patient should not eat for the length of time that he or she normally waits between meals. Thus newborns should fast for no more than 2 to 3 hours
