Other Imaging Technologies

• Intravenous Pyelogrphy (IVP)  Also called excretory urology, examines the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
• Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Small Bowel Series  Examines the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. The procedure may take several hours and requires the oral intake of barium solution (like a milkshake). In some cases, carbonated beverage or medication may be necessary to produce gas for an improved contrast on the X-ray.
• Barium Enema  Also called a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series is used to examine the colon. The procedure takes about an hour. A small tube is gently inserted into the rectum to allow the barium to flow into the bowel. An x-ray will be taken with the barium in the bowel. Then, the patient will be allowed to empty the bowel. Another X-ray may be taken after the bowel is empty.