Pediatric Imaging

Upper GI Procedure

What is an Upper GI?

GI stands for "gastrointestinal." This is what doctors call the path food takes once you have swallowed it. An upper GI procedure is a special type of X-Ray, which takes pictures of your esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach), your stomach and your small intestine (where the food goes after it leaves your stomach).

Why do I need an Upper GI?

Your doctor wants you to have this test because you might be throwing up a lot or having many stomachaches. This procedure will allow the doctor to see inside you to find out what is making you feel sick and to make sure you are healthy.

Do I need to do anything before the test?

Your doctor’s office will tell you that you should not eat for a few hours before your upper GI procedure. The length of time depends on how old you are and is approximately 3 to 4 hours. Although this may seem like a long time, it is about the time that you usually do not eat between breakfast and lunch.

What will the test be like?

The whole test takes about as long as your favorite TV show (about 30 minutes). If your doctor wants you to have what is called a "small bowel follow-through," you will have to be at the hospital for a few hours. You and your parents will be able to sit in the Pediatric Waiting Area and Playroom during this time. There are fun books and games in the playroom but you can also bring your favorite toys and games from home.

The person who will be taking the X-rays is called the technologist. When it is your turn, he or she will take you and your family into an examination room. This room has a table in the middle with a camera next to it. This is the camera that will take pictures of the inside of you! This camera does not look like the camera that your mom uses to take pictures on the first day of school, on your birthday or when you go on a trip. This camera is too big to carry and so it always stays in this special room. That is why you have to come to the hospital to get your picture taken.

The technologist will take one picture of your tummy. After that first picture, the doctor will give you something to drink. This drink will be thick like a milkshake and you can choose the flavor you would like (usually chocolate or strawberry). The doctor will ask you to take sips of the drink while he or she is taking the x-ray pictures. If you have a favorite sippy cup or a cup with a straw, be sure to bring it, so you can drink out of that.

You may have to lie on your side, back and stomach while the pictures are being taken. Remember to take big sips! You will also be able to watch yourself drinking on the TV screen near you. You will actually be able to see the drink go down the long tube to your stomach! After the doctor is finished looking at the pictures, you are all done!