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Abdominal X-ray
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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X-ray of abdominal organs - radiography - is a traditional diagnostic method of clinical medicine based on localized irradiation with a minimal dose of X-rays, which results in projection images of the internal structures of the body.
The most common types of X-ray examinations include plain abdominal X-rays and contrast radiography.
It should be noted that X-rays cannot be reflected by the parenchyma of internal organs and soft tissues, so a complete “picture” of many organs is not available on the images. However, a general X-ray of the abdominal cavity can show some organ damage; the presence of foreign objects, pathological formations (tumors, cysts, hematomas) and stones (stones) in the kidneys, gallbladder and urinary bladder; the presence of gases and liquids (including blood) in the intestines and abdominal cavity and their localization, as well as pathological accumulation of metabolic waste in the large intestine.
A general X-ray of the abdominal cavity has long proven its diagnostic effectiveness and is mandatory in cases of suspected intestinal obstruction, in case of damage to the integrity (perforation) of its walls or perforation of other organs of the abdominal cavity.
Contrast radiography is performed using a contrast agent, which fills cavities that are not visible with a regular plain X-ray.
Barium sulfate (barium sulfate in powder form), used as a radiopaque agent, is practically insoluble in water, alkalis and basic acids, including hydrochloric acid, but absorbs X-rays. Before contrast radiography, a barium suspension is taken orally (or administered through a probe): 80 g of powder per 100 ml of water. The drug is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and does not enter the blood (if there are no violations of the integrity of the intestinal walls); it is evacuated from the body with feces. If an abdominal X-ray with barium is performed to examine the colon, the suspension (750 g of barium sulfate powder per liter of 0.5% aqueous tannin solution) is administered into the rectum using an enema.
An abdominal X-ray with barium provides a detailed image of pathologies of the gastrointestinal mucosa (ulcers), perforations of hollow organs, narrowing of the lumens in the intestines and tumors.
Instead of barium sulfate, air or nitrous oxide can be used in contrast radiography, and when examining the bladder, drugs containing sodium amidotrizoate (Triombrast, Verografin, Visotrast) can be used.
In addition to classic radiography, fluoroscopy is performed if necessary. This is when, with the help of additional special equipment, it is possible not only to record a static image of internal organs on film, but also to observe them in a dynamic state at a given moment in time. Such an X-ray of the abdominal organs gives the doctor the opportunity to visualize the processes occurring in the organs (contractions, stretching, displacements, etc.).
[ Indications for abdominal x-ray
A general X-ray of the abdominal cavity is performed in case of pain in the abdomen (acute abdomen syndrome) and lower back; bloating; injuries to the abdominal organs; retroperitoneal abscesses; acute intestinal obstruction (blockage of the intestinal lumen by a cyst, polyps, tumor, etc.); intestinal intussusception (intestinal obstruction due to the introduction of one part of the intestine into the lumen of another); diverticulitis (inflammation of protrusions in the intestinal wall - diverticula).
It is also performed to diagnose inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and gallbladder (cholecystitis), and kidney or bladder stones.
After a general X-ray has been performed - if there is no damage to the mucous membranes of the intestinal walls - an X-ray or fluoroscopy with a contrast agent may be prescribed.
Preparing for an abdominal x-ray
If an abdominal X-ray is prescribed, no preparation is required. It is recommended to empty your bladder before visiting the X-ray room.
But an abdominal X-ray with barium requires some preparation. First of all, 12 hours before the X-ray, you should stop eating solid foods. 24 hours before the colon X-ray, you should avoid eating any vegetables, rye bread, milk and cream; food should be liquid and transparent.
On the day of the examination - approximately an hour and a half before the X-ray - the colon is cleansed using an enema or by inserting a rectal suppository of a laxative (for example, Bisacodyl).
How is an abdominal x-ray performed?
An abdominal X-ray is performed in clothing (but without jewelry), in a standing or lying position. The person being examined must stand in front of the X-ray machine or lie on their back on a special table and stand (or lie) absolutely still for several minutes. After the irradiation, the machine is turned off and the radiologist reports that the procedure is complete. Often, the examination is performed simultaneously in two positions: first standing, then lying down.
When performing contrast radiography of the abdominal cavity, the patient must drink a suspension of barium sulfate before the diagnostic procedure.
Contraindications to abdominal x-ray
In fact, there are no contraindications to performing an abdominal X-ray for diagnostic purposes. This examination is prescribed by a doctor - with a corresponding referral, which may indicate the patient's preliminary diagnosis requiring clarification.
However, it is not recommended to perform an X-ray of the abdominal cavity on a child under 14 years of age, as well as on pregnant women at any stage of gestation; an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) should be performed.
Contraindications to the procedure are perforation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract; obstruction of the colon; acute diverticulitis; dehydration of the body due to vomiting and diarrhea; ulcerative colitis in the acute stage; bronchial asthma; allergy; intestinal or mixed form of cystic fibrosis of the pancreas (mucoviscidosis).
Where can I get an abdominal x-ray?
X-ray of abdominal organs is performed as prescribed by the attending physician (gastroenterologist, urologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist) in a medical institution. The price depends on such factors as the category of the medical institution, the model of the equipment and the qualifications of the radiologist. After all, it is the doctor of this specialization who describes in detail everything that the image shows. So the cost of the X-ray includes the decoding of the radiograph.
To make a correct diagnosis, other studies may be required, since an abdominal X-ray is not able to provide comprehensive information about existing pathologies.