Medical Encyclopedia:
Upper GI Exam: Risks
|
More about Upper GI Exam:
Definition Purpose Precautions Preparation Aftercare Risks Normal results Abnormal results Resources |
Because the upper GI series is an x-ray procedure, it does involve minor exposure to ionizing radiation. Unless the patient is pregnant, or multiple radiological or fluoroscopic studies are required, the small dose of radiation incurred during a single procedure poses little risk. However, multiple studies requiring fluoroscopic exposure that are conducted in a short time period have been known, on rare occasions, to cause skin death (necrosis) in some individuals. This risk can be minimized by careful monitoring and documentation of cumulative radiation doses administered to these patients.
—
