What is an upper GI (UGI)?
An upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) is an X-ray exam that shows the structure of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which is the part of the body that food passes through as it is digested. The upper gastrointestinal tract includes the esophagus, the stomach and part of the small intestine.
Why does my child need a UGI?
A UGI exam is used to help find the cause of problems such as swallowing difficulties, unexplained vomiting, abdominal discomfort and severe indigestion.
Who performs the examinations?
A pediatric radiologist and a pediatric trained X-ray technologist will assist you and your child during this procedure. At times, a child life specialist will also be present during your child’s procedure.
How can I prepare my child for the UGI?
Your child’s age will determine how you will prepare him/her. Toddlers and preschool-aged children require a very simple explanation of the procedure just before the procedure begins.
School-aged children and adolescents require a more detailed explanation of the procedure which should be done one to two days in advance. This will allow your child time to ask any questions he/she might have prior to the procedure. Above all, it is important to be completely honest with your child about his/her procedure.
How is a UGI performed?
- Your child will need to have an empty stomach for this exam. You will receive eating instructions and restrictions from the doctor who ordered the UGI exam before the date of your child’s exam
- A pediatric X-ray technologist or a child life specialist will bring you and your child into the fluoroscopy room. The X-ray technologist or child life specialist will explain the exam to you and your child
- Your child will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Once changed, your child will be helped onto the fluoroscopy table
- Your child will be given a thick, white liquid called barium to drink through a straw or bottle. This liquid is what allows the radiologist to see the gastrointestinal system more clearly. Because barium does not always have a pleasant taste, your child will be allowed to chose a chocolate or strawberry flavoring to add to the barium to make it taste a little better.
If your child has food allergies it is important to inform the radiology team prior to the exam. - The radiologist will move the fluoroscopy camera over your child. The camera will come close to, but not touch, your child. The radiologist will begin to take X-ray pictures as the barium liquid is swallowed and passes through the esophagus into the stomach. Your child will be asked to continue to drink the barium liquid while the radiologist takes the X-ray pictures. Your child will be asked to roll from side to side while X-ray pictures are taken. The X-ray pictures will allow the radiologist to watch the progress of the barium through the gastrointestinal system.
- When the barium liquid empties from the stomach and the radiologist has seen enough of it pass through the small intestine, the UGI is complete
- Once the exam has been completed, your child may return to his/her diet as instructed by your doctor. It is a good idea to increase your child’s fluid intake for the day
What can I do to help my child during the procedure?
You will be present during your child’s entire procedure.* It is important that you try to remain calm throughout the procedure. For some children, having a parent with them is comforting enough. Others may require additional support. As a result, the radiology team has other distraction items that can be used to help your child during the procedure.
What happens once the UGI is done?
The results of your child’s exam will be sent to the doctor who requested the exam. Typically your doctor will receive the results within one to two days of the exam or sooner. Critical results are communicated to the ordering doctor shortly after the procedure has been completed.
*Women who are pregnant will not be allowed in the fluoroscopy room. (Please note that other children will not be allowed in the fluoroscopy room.)
Rev. 6/2017. This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.
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