An erect (upright) abdominal X‑ray evaluates bowel gas patterns and air‑fluid levels to detect bowel obstruction, and shows free air under the diaphragm indicating a perforated hollow viscus. It can reveal dilated bowel loops, abnormal gas distribution, and some calcifications (e.g., stones) or large masses. It’s used alongside clinical assessment and other imaging to diagnose obstruction, perforation, or severe ileus.

Place the patient standing upright with back or side against a vertical detector; remove clothing and metal from the abdomen. Center the X‑ray at the iliac crests or slightly above so the diaphragm is included. Ask the patient to stand still and suspend respiration at end‑expiration. Collimate to the abdomen, use gonadal shielding, and set appropriate exposure to show bowel gas and air‑fluid levels.

The abdomen erect AP position requires the patient standing upright with their back against a vertical image receptor (AP projection). Use a horizontal central ray aimed about 2–5 cm above the iliac crests to include the diaphragm. The horizontal beam shows air–fluid levels and free intraperitoneal air. Arms are kept out of the field; expose on suspended end‑expiration for best diaphragm visualization.

Standard abdominal X‑ray views include an AP supine (flat) film to assess bowel gas pattern and calcifications; an upright (erect) abdominal film to detect air‑fluid levels and free intraperitoneal air; a left lateral decubitus view if the patient cannot stand (to show free air and fluid levels); and an occasional lateral or cross‑table view for trauma or localization.

An erect view is an X‑ray taken with the patient upright (standing or seated). This position lets gravity reveal air–fluid levels and free air under the diaphragm, improving detection of pneumoperitoneum, pleural effusion, and bowel obstruction. It’s commonly used for chest and abdominal radiographs to assess lung expansion, fluid shifts, and abnormal air patterns not visible on supine films.

Common abdominal X‑ray findings include bowel gas pattern abnormalities (dilated loops suggesting obstruction or generalized ileus), multiple air‑fluid levels, and free intraperitoneal air indicating perforation. Other frequent observations are calcifications (renal/ureteric stones, gallstones, vascular), fecal loading/constipation, organ enlargement, radiopaque foreign bodies or devices, and pneumobilia. Findings guide further imaging like CT or ultrasound when needed.