What does a gastrointestinal imaging examination involve?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain and loss of appetite. After visiting the hospital, the doctor recommended that I undergo a gastrointestinal contrast study. What does this gastrointestinal contrast study examine?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Contrast radiography of the gastrointestinal tract is a common imaging examination method primarily used to evaluate the structure and function of the digestive system. It involves the use of barium-containing contrast agents to outline the gastrointestinal tract under X-ray, helping physicians observe the morphology, position, motility, and presence of any abnormalities.
The main areas examined are the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This method allows clear visualization of the structure and peristalsis of these regions, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as esophageal stricture, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. X-ray or fluoroscopic imaging is subsequently used to observe the movement of barium through the gastrointestinal tract, thereby assessing its patency and structural integrity.
This procedure primarily targets the colon, rectum, and ileocecal region and is commonly used to examine inflammation, tumors, or diverticula in these areas. During the examination, barium is introduced into the intestine via the anus, and after the bowel is filled, X-ray imaging is used to detect issues such as colonic polyps, inflammation, tumors, and intestinal obstruction.
Prior to undergoing gastrointestinal contrast radiography, patients typically need to fast and will receive contrast agents such as barium sulfate during the examination to better visualize the structure of the gastrointestinal tract.
