GI Exams
Swallowing Study
A swallowing study is performed with a radiologist and a speech-language pathologist. During the test, the patient swallows a variety of liquids and foods mixed with barium, as a radiologist takes video X-rays of the mouth and throat. These images show how food passes from the mouth through the throat and into the esophagus. The test is generally ordered when a patient complains of difficulty swallowing, a lump-like sensation or pain when swallowing, or choking during meals.
Upper Gastrointestinal Series (Upper GI), Barium Swallow (Esophogram),
or Small Bowel Series
These barium studies evaluate the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract and are helpful in the detection of cancer, ulcers, and other conditions. They are often ordered for patients who complain of a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, swallowing difficulty, weight loss, blood in the stool and anemia. The exams are performed when the patient drinks a liquid barium contrast material and the radiologist takes a series of x-ray images with a fluoroscopic unit.
Barium Enema
This examination is used to evaluate the anatomy of the colon (large intestine) as well as in the detection of colon polyps, cancer and inflammation. Common reasons for ordering and performing this exam include a history of blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, diverticulitis (an inflammatory condition of the colon that can cause fever and abdominal pain), and unexplained weight loss or anemia.
GU Exams
Intravenous Pyelography (IVP)
An Intravenous Pyelogram examination is designed to test the function and examine the anatomy of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It is typically ordered for people who have known kidney stones or who are complaining of symptoms that are felt by their physicians to be suspicious for kidney stones (such as flank pain). Another common reason for ordering and performing this test is for the evaluation of hematuria (blood in urine).
Cystography & Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)
Cystography is a diagnostic procedure that uses x-rays to examine the urinary bladder.
During cystography, contrast dye is injected into the bladder. Contrast refers to a substance taken into the body that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly. X-rays are taken of the bladder, and fluoroscopy may be used to study the bladder emptying while a person urinates (voiding cystography). Cystography may indicate how well the bladder empties during urination and whether any urine backs up into the kidneys (vesicoureteral reflux).
Retrograde Urethrography (RUG)
RUG is performed when urethral trauma is suspected. A contrast agent is injected retrograde into the urethra; the exam is helpful in diagnosing urethral stricture.
Hysterosalpingogram
This exam evaluates a female patient's fallopian tubes, and any uterine abnormalities. A narrow, flexible catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. An x-ray contrast is injected through the catheter while a series of radiographs are taken.