 Barium Studies • Small Bowel Through
This study is performed for the evaluation of the small bowel usually for pain or diarrhea.
A prep is necessary for this study which includes nothing by mouth after midnight. After
registering at the outpatient desk you will be greeted by one of the technologists. They
will escort you to the dressing room to change and then to a fluoroscopy suite. A brief
history will be taken to insure the best possible examination. The Radiologist will then
give you barium to drink and take multiple pictures of your esophagus and stomach. After
this you will be given more barium in order to best see your small bowel. A series of
pictures of your abdomen are taken as this barium moves through your small bowel. The time
for the barium to pass through the small bowel is incredibly variable. This can take anywhere
from 15 minutes to 4-5 hours. I'm afraid there is no way to predict this, or to speed up the
process. Once the barium has passed, you will be taken to the dressing room to change and
then back to the registration lobby. You should drink lots of water for 24 hours to flush
the barium through your digestive system.
Select Study
Return to Radiology Exam Listing
| 
