Gastrointestinal Radiology (Digestive System)

What is Gastrointestinal Radiology?

Gastrointestinal radiology is the study of the gastrointestinal tract (pharynx, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small bowel, and colon), solid abdominal viscera (liver, gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreas and spleen) and peritoneal cavity, (mesentery and omentum) and abdominal wall.

For more information about upper GI studies, please click here. For details about lower GI studies, please click here.

What do I need to do to prepare for my exam?

If scheduled for an exam at the main hospital, please check in at the Outpatient Registration department located in the Women's Pavilion prior to coming to the Radiology department.

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.

Please dress in loose, comfortable two-piece clothing. No belts, buttons or zippers.

Please refer to the specific instructions for your exam as noted below. Any specific prep instructions for your exam are also noted below.

Please call 800/309-XRAY (9729) for any additional questions or concerns.

What should I bring with me when I arrive at Hoag?

Many insurance providers require prior authorization. Please verify with your ordering physician that, if required, an authorization has been obtained, to avoid any unexpected costs, delays or cancellations.

Bring your physician's written order, insurance card and proof of pre-authorization (if applicable) with you to your appointment.

Also, please bring any prior exams pertaining to your procedure that were not done at a Hoag or Newport Imaging facility.

Gastrointestinal Procedures Specific Information

To find out more about your imaging study and what to expect, click on any of the procedures listed below. You will be directed to RadiologyInfo™, a public information Website established by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Purchase from any Pharmacy the 3 items below:

1. Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution 10oz
2. Bisacodyl Tablets 5mg (3 Tablets)
3. Bisacodyl Suppository

Preparations include:

• 48 hours before exam – clear liquid diet only, may have coffee (no cream), broth, soft drinks, popsicles and apple juice. Drink one 8oz glass of clear fluid every waking hour. Note: Diabetics may also have dry toast throughout day.
• 24 Hours Before Exam: Continue to drink one 8oz glass of clear fluid every waking hour.
  • Noon Liquid lunch: clear soup, plain gelatin, and clear fluids.
  • 4:00p.m. Drink entire contents of Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution (over ice).
  • 5:00p.m. Drink 8oz of clear fluid.
  • 6:00p.m. Liquid dinner: clear soup, plain gelatin and 8oz of clear fluid.
  • 7:00p.m. Take three (3) Bisacodyl Tablets laxative with 8oz of water.
  • 8:00p.m. 8oz of clear fluid.
  • 9:00p.m. 8oz of clear fluid.
  • 10:00p.m. Insert one Bisacodyl Suppository into rectum as far as possible, retain as long as comfort will permit - usually 10 to 15 minutes - before defecating.
• On appointment day, do not eat or drink anything. It is okay to take necessary medications. BE SURE TO DRINK ALL THE FLUID SPECIFIED. DO NOT DEHYDRATE!
• NOTE: Do not follow these instructions if your diagnosis includes COLITIS or BOWEL OBSTRUCTION. If you have RENAL INSUFFICIENCY, contact your physician for prep instructions.

Please contact your physician for prep instructions.

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) from midnight the night before until after your exam the next day. Do not take any medication, smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth or eat breath mints the day of your exam.

Please note: Small bowel tests can take several hours.

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) from midnight the night before until after your exam the next day. Do not take any medication, smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth or eat breath mints the day of your exam.

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) from midnight the night before until after your exam the next day. Do not take any medication, smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth or eat breath mints the day of your exam.