For children under the age of 3, we may use a special device called an octagon board where the child is secured during the exam like. This does not hurt the child and is done to help reduce the amount of radiation the child receives during the exam by restricting unwanted motion.  It also allows the Radiologist to turn the child quickly onto their side so as not to miss any crucial anatomy. We allow one parent to remain next to the child if needed. The child may be fed through a long straw that is connected to a nipple in the child’s mouth which allows us to monitor the amount of Barium they receive. The Radiologist will bring the fluoroscope (x-ray camera) over the child and the child will look like they are in a tent. The radiologist will watch the Barium as the child swallows and will follow the track of the contrast as it leaves the stomach. Images will be taken throughout this process. A parent is allowed to be in the room with the child.

Children over the age of 3 years will be lying on the x-ray table. An x-ray camera called a fluoroscope will come over the child which will not touch or hurt them. They will drink the Barium from a straw while the Radiologist watches them drink on the tv screen and will take snapshot pictures of this process. The child can also watch the TV screen! The radiologist will occasionally ask the child to turn onto their right or left sides as they watch the flow of Barium and take images of the stomach. A parent is allowed to be in the room with the child.

A Small Bowel Follow Through is a continuation of the Upper G.I. exam where we take x-ray films at timed intervals as the Barium goes through the intestines. Depending upon patient, the exam can take as long as 4 to 6 hours