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This x-ray procedure is designed to examine the
esophagus, stomach and duodenum. After these organs have been relaxed by
medication and distended with gas, a thin coating of barium suspension
is applied to outline their inner surfaces.
If you are a woman of childbearing age and
there is a chance that you may be pregnant, please consult your
physician before scheduling this exam.
Medications can be taken prior to your test. Pills should be taken early
in the morning, with just a small amount of water. If you take insulin,
you must consult with your doctor about adjusting your dose. You should
not take insulin if you are fasting for your exam. However, you should
bring your insulin with you so you can take it after the exam. Also,
when making an appointment, tell the scheduler if you are diabetic.
Request an appointment time early in the day.
The presence of food or fluid materials would interfere with the
accuracy of the examination. It is therefore necessary to avoid all
intake of food or liquid from the hour of 9:00 p.m. of the day preceding
your appointment.
Patients less than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or
guardian. Please do not bring children with you to the appointment. Be
sure that your doctor's office has sent an x-ray request to us or that
you bring one with you.
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The test will take
between 20 to 40 minutes.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown since zippers and snaps
will interfere with making the images. Women must remove bras. You
should also remove any jewelry that may be in the area of the neck or
abdomen.
You will be asked to swallow granules or powder in order to produce gas
within the stomach. Next you will be asked to begin swallowing the
liquid barium. During the course of the examination, you will be helped
to turn to various positions to coat and visualize all areas of the
upper gastrointestinal tract. A number of x-ray films will be obtained.
Sometimes, a small intravenous injection is administered in order to
obtain relaxation of the stomach and duodenum.
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Resume your normal
diet. Increase your fluid intake and drink plenty of water. For most
patients with normal bowel habits the passage of barium in the form of
"white stools" will not be a problem. Patients with a history of
constipation may use a mild laxative
The radiologist's report of the results will be ready within 24 hours.
Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you.
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Please call our hotline
16171 or (202) 3336-3310 (Mohandeseen), (202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or
(202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a radiologist if you have any
questions. It is best to call between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday
through Thursday.
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