Upper gastrointestinal series: X-ray imaging of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using a swallowed contrast agent
Upper GI Series in Casablanca
The upper GI series (TOGD in French) examines the esophagus, the stomach and the duodenum, the first part of the intestine. You swallow a contrast agent, barium or iodinated, and the radiologist follows its path live on images. It requires no tube and no anesthesia and shows swallowing in motion as well as how the stomach empties. However, it shows small abnormalities of the inner wall less well than an upper endoscopy (fibroscopy).
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Usually allow 15 to 30 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
Carestream
Reading aid
The center uses Gleamer, artificial intelligence software that helps the radiologist read X-rays. Interpretation and the report are still done by the radiologist.
When is this exam needed?
- Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing.
- Reflux or suspected hiatal hernia.
- Checking after stomach surgery or weight-loss surgery.
- Repeated vomiting in a child, depending on the pediatrician.
- Looking for a narrowing or compression of the esophagus.
- Looking for an abnormal position of the intestine in an infant, depending on the pediatrician.
How the exam is done
On arrival, the team checks that you have fasted and asks you about any allergy or digestive surgery. In the changing room, you remove clothing and jewelry from the upper body.
Standing, then lying on a table that tilts, you drink the contrast agent in sips when the radiologist asks you to. The radiologist follows its passage on a screen and takes images while asking you to turn onto your sides. The taste is chalky or slightly bitter, with no pain. More images may follow to see the stomach emptying into the duodenum. Afterwards, you get dressed, drink water and can eat normally.
Preparation
- Drink plenty of fluids after the exam to eliminate the contrast agent.
- Follow the fasting instructions given, without smoking or chewing gum.
- Tell us about a known allergy to iodinated contrast agent or stomach surgery.
Fasting
Come fasting, without eating, drinking or smoking, generally for 6 hours for adults; the exact time, shorter for an infant, is given to you when you book.
Contrast injection
No needle: the contrast agent is swallowed.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us.
- Allergy to iodinated contrast agent, if it is planned.
- Food or drink going down the wrong way when swallowing: please tell us.
- Usual constipation: drink plenty of fluids after the barium, which can make it worse.
- Difficulty standing or turning on the table: let the team know.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Surgical report if you have had stomach surgery
- Upper endoscopy or previous digestive exams
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Barium or iodinated: what is the difference?
Barium gives very detailed images of the digestive wall. The iodinated contrast agent is preferred after surgery or if a leak is suspected.
Why change position during the exam?
Moving spreads the contrast agent over all the walls. Reflux or a hernia sometimes only shows up lying down or with the head lowered.
What happens after the exam?
You eat normally. After barium, your stools are white for a few days: drink plenty of fluids and see a doctor if constipation persists.
Why after weight-loss surgery?
It checks that the contrast agent passes well through the new surgical setup, with no leak or narrowing, on the date set by the surgeon.
How is it different from an upper endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy (fibroscopy) passes a camera into the esophagus and stomach and allows samples to be taken. The upper GI series rather shows the shape of the organs and the path of the swallowed contrast agent.
How long do I need to fast?
For adults, generally 6 hours without eating, drinking or smoking. For an infant, the time is shorter: it is specified when you book.