Gastric Emptying Study

A gastric emptying study, also known as a gastric emptying scan or gastroesophageal motility study, is a medical imaging test used to assess the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a gastric emptying study is to diagnose and evaluate conditions that affect the stomach's ability to empty its contents, such as:

• Gastroparesis: a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents
• Dyspepsia: a condition characterized by recurring symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and nausea
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus

Procedure

The gastric emptying study procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. The patient eats a meal that contains a small amount of radioactive material, usually technetium-99m or indium-111
2. The patient then lies under a gamma camera, which takes images of the stomach and small intestine at regular intervals (usually every 10-30 minutes) over a period of 1-4 hours
3. The gamma camera detects the radioactive material in the meal and measures how quickly it moves from the stomach to the small intestine
4. The images are then analyzed to determine the rate of gastric emptying, which is usually expressed as a percentage of the meal that has emptied from the stomach at specific time points (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.)

Interpretation

The results of a gastric emptying study are interpreted by a radiologist or gastroenterologist, who looks for:

• Delayed gastric emptying: if the stomach takes longer than normal to empty its contents
• Rapid gastric emptying: if the stomach empties its contents too quickly
• Abnormal patterns of gastric emptying: such as retention of food in the stomach or abnormal movement of food into the small intestine

Risks and Contraindications

The risks associated with a gastric emptying study are generally minimal, but may include:

• Exposure to small amounts of radiation from the gamma camera
• Allergic reactions to the radioactive material or other substances used in the test
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the test is usually avoided in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers due to the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus or baby

Preparation

To prepare for a gastric emptying study, patients are usually instructed to:

• Fast for a certain period before the test (usually 4-6 hours)
• Avoid eating fatty or greasy foods before the test
• Tell their doctor about any medications they are taking, as some may affect the results of the test

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a gastric emptying study?
A medical procedure that measures how quickly food empties from the stomach.

Why is a gastric emptying study performed?
To diagnose and evaluate conditions such as gastroparesis, delayed gastric emptying, and digestive motility disorders.

How is a gastric emptying study typically conducted?
By eating a small meal containing a radioactive tracer, which is then tracked using imaging tests like gamma camera scans.

What type of food is used in a gastric emptying study?
Usually a standardized meal, such as eggs or oatmeal, labeled with a radioactive material.

Are there any preparations needed before a gastric emptying study?
Patients may be asked to fast for a certain period, stop taking certain medications, and avoid smoking and caffeine.

Is a gastric emptying study painful?
Generally not, but some discomfort may be experienced during the imaging tests or from eating the radioactive meal.

How long does a gastric emptying study typically take?
Several hours, as the test measures the rate of gastric emptying over time, usually 1-4 hours.

What are the risks associated with a gastric emptying study?
Exposure to small amounts of radiation, and potential allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer or meal.

Can a gastric emptying study be performed on anyone?
Generally, but may not be suitable for pregnant women, young children, or individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe kidney disease.

What do the results of a gastric emptying study indicate?
The rate of gastric emptying, which can help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting stomach motility and digestion.