The term gastric emptying is the digestive process by which food and liquids move from the stomach into the small intestine. When this process is disrupted, it can lead to various symptoms necessitating deeper investigation to determine their cause, and plan appropriate medical treatment.
A gastric emptying study (GES), also known as gastric emptying scintigraphy, is a diagnostic study used to assess the rate at which food leaves the stomach. With this nuclear medicine exam, the patient ingests a small amount of a radioactive substance, called a radiotracer. Highly sophisticated imaging techniques allow the tracking of this material’s movement through the digestive system, providing valuable information about gastric motility.
What a Gastric Emptying Study Scans
A gastric emptying scan can be used to diagnose:
Gastroparesis – Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach muscles don’t function properly, causing delayed gastric emptying. Symptoms of gastroparesis may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and early satiety (feeling full after only a few bites of food). A gastric emptying study can provide information about the rate at which food leaves the stomach in order to diagnose gastroparesis and assess its severity.
Chronic Nausea/Vomiting – If a patient experiences chronic or unexplained nausea and vomiting, a GES can help identify if delayed gastric emptying is the underlying cause. This test can help differentiate between gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal disorders with similar symptoms.
Reflux Disease – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reflux esophagitis are often associated with delayed gastric emptying. When standard treatment doesn’t relieve reflux symptoms, a gastric emptying scan can be used to determine if delayed stomach emptying is contributing to or exacerbating reflux symptoms and assist with alternate treatment planning.
Dumping Syndrome – Dumping syndrome is a condition in which food moves too rapidly from the stomach into the small intestine. Here, the pyloric valve, which sits at the base of the stomach, malfunctions and dumps food out before the stomach has had time to completely digest it. This can invite symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lightheadedness and weakness, usually right after a meal. It can also result in sudden drops in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Dumping syndrome is most common in patients who have undergone stomach surgeries like gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery, or who suffer from certain gastrointestinal diseases. By tracking the movement of food out of the stomach, a GES can be used to plan appropriate treatment and management strategies.
Functional Dyspepsia – Functional dyspepsia refers to chronic or recurrent stomach pain or discomfort with no identified cause. A gastric emptying scan can help differentiate between delayed gastric emptying and normal gastric function, so that the appropriate treatment can be determined.
Treatment Planning - Certain surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery, may benefit from ensuring the stomach is emptying normally to help reduce the risk of postoperative complications. A GES may also guide the appropriateness and monitoring of certain medications.
Diabetes-related Gastropathy – Diabetes can damage the nerves that control stomach muscle contractions, resulting in delayed gastric emptying. A gastric emptying scan can be used to evaluate gastric emptying and help determine if diabetic gastropathy is present so appropriate treatment protocols can be employed.
Getting a Gastric Emptying Scan
Preparation for a GES may vary by the patient and the reason for the test, but will often include a review of the patient’s medical history, fasting for a certain period prior to the procedure and, in some cases, a temporary suspension from taking certain medications.
Because digestion is being monitored, the imaging process can take several hours to complete. Before the test, you will be given a meal and/or liquid containing a very low dose of the radioactive material. The radiotracer emits gamma radiation, which is detected by a highly sensitive scanner that captures multiple images of the stomach. For our standard protocol, the scanning begins immediately after eating and continues every 15 minutes for a maximum of two hours. Once about half of the contents are emptied from your stomach, your RAO radiologist and referring clinician will review the collection of images to assess your gastric motility, make a sound diagnosis, and plan any appropriate treatment.
When requested on the order, we will perform a four hour protocol that images the stomach immediately after your meal and continues every hour for four hours, regardless of the amount emptied.
Gastric Emptying Safety
The ingested radiotracer loses its radioactivity within hours, and is eliminated from the body in about a day. The radioactive material is not absorbed by the body. However, this test is not recommended for pregnant women.
A gastric emptying study produces no discomfort or side effects. Once the imaging process is complete, you can resume your normal activities.
Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results as well as any recommendations for treatment.
Where Can I Get a Gastric Emptying Study?
RAO offers gastric emptying scans at our Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks. This facility is accredited in Nuclear Medicine by the American College of Radiology for safety, accuracy and best practice standards, so you know you’re receiving the highest level of care.
When it comes to medical imaging and other radiological procedures, you have a choice of providers. For the latest technologies and exceptionally experienced, Board-certified radiologists, trust locally owned and operated RAO, serving Marion County since 1973.
