Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series

Results

An upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series looks at the upper and middle sections of the gastrointestinal tract (intestines). Results are usually ready in 1 to 3 days.

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series

Normal:	The esophagus, stomach, and small intestine all look normal.
Abnormal:	A narrowing (stricture), inflammation, a mass, a hiatal hernia, or enlarged veins (varices) may be seen. Spasms of the esophagus or a backward flow (reflux) of barium from the stomach may occur.
	The UGI series may show a stomach (gastric) or intestinal (duodenal) ulcer, a tumor, or something pushing on the intestines from outside the gastrointestinal tract. Narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the small intestine (pyloric stenosis) may be seen.
	The small bowel follow-through may show inflammation or changes in the lining that may explain poor absorption of food. This may be caused by Crohn's disease or celiac disease.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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