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Last updated: 11/24/2009
A normal upper GI series shows a healthy, normally functioning, and unobstructed digestive tract. Hiatal hernia, obstructions, inflammation (including ulcers or polyps of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine), or irregularities in the swallowing...
mechanism are just a few of the possible abnormalities that may appear on an upper GI series. Additionally, abnormal peristalsis, or digestive movements of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine can often be visualized on the fluoroscopic part of the exam, and in the interpretation of the SBFT.
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An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube is placed in the mouth and throat and advanced to the stomach and first part of the small intestine. As the animations shows, the endoscope contains a tiny video camera and often small surgical instruments which can be used for diagnosis or treatment.
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Definition
An upper GI examination is a fluoroscopic examination (a type of x-ray imaging) of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum).
Purpose
An upper GI series is frequently requested when a patient experiences unexplained symptoms of abdominal pain, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation, diarrhea, or weight loss. It is used to help diagnose disorders and diseases of, or related to, the upper gastrointestinal tract, including cases of hiatal hernia, diverticuli, ulcers, tumors, obstruction, enteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Crohn's disease, and pulmonary aspiration.
From http://www.lifesteps.com/gm/Atoz/ency/upper_gi_exam.jsp
Other Information
In 2000, the estimated number of hospital admissions among adults aged 18 or older with urinary incontinence listed as a diagnosis was of 47,802 hospital stays (1,332 men; 46,470 women).
From: NKUDIC
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