An abdominal x-ray images the internal organs and bodily structures found in the belly (abdomen). Physicians refer patients to Florida Hospital for abdominal x-rays to obtain images of the stomach, large and small intestines, liver, spleen and diaphragm (the muscle that separates the belly from the chest cavity) to help them do the following:

• Determine the cause of pain or swelling in the belly
• Diagnose the cause of ongoing nausea and vomiting
• Locate swallowed foreign objects
• Diagnose kidney and gallbladder stones
• Confirm the proper positioning of feeding tubes or drainage tubes in the stomach or other abdominal organs

Risks associated with abdominal x-rays are the same as for any procedure involving x-rays. They require no special preparation.