Do you also feel like you're full even after eating a small amount of food? Or do you often feel nauseous or have problems with fullness? Perhaps the reason for this is a change in the speed at which food empties from your stomach, that is, your stomach. So today, let's talk about a special medical test that is done to find out exactly this. This is what we call a `(Gastric Emptying Study)`.
Simply put, what is this Gastric Emptying Study?
This is a very simple test. It measures how long it takes for a food (or drink) you eat to pass through your stomach and then completely empty. This process of moving food and liquids through your stomach is called ``Gastric Motility''. Doctors do this test to see if your stomach is moving normally. If the rate at which food empties is faster or slower than normal, it could be a sign of a medical condition.
The main and most commonly used method for this is the test called `(Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy - GES)`. When a doctor tells you about this test, this is what he usually means. This is a `(Imaging Test)` of `(Nuclear Medicine)` type, that is, a scan. What happens in this is that the radioactivity in your body is scanned and images are created. Don't worry, this is not harmful to you. In order for your stomach to be included in the scan, a very small, harmless radioactive substance `(Radioactive Tracer)` is added to the food you eat.
Are there other ways to do this test?
Yes, there are several other methods in addition to the main one:
- Gastric Motility Breath Test (GEBT): This measures the amount of gas you exhale and how your food moves through your intestines. You are given a food containing a special carbon molecule called ``Carbon-13''. When it passes through your intestines, it produces carbon dioxide gas that can be measured in your breath.
- SmartPill™ Wireless Motility Capsule: This involves swallowing a small electronic device that looks like a pill. As it travels through your digestive system, it sends data to a ``Receiver`` that you wear. The pill is passed out in your stool in a day or two. When you then give the ``Receiver`` to your doctor, he or she can look at the data on it and get an idea of your condition.
What can we learn from this test?
This test mainly tells you whether your stomach is emptying too quickly or too slowly . It can also find out where in your stomach this speed is slowing down. This can be a great help in understanding the cause of some of your stomach problems.
| Symptoms that may prompt a doctor to order this test | |
|---|---|
| Feeling of fullness | Feeling very full even after eating a small amount of food, or having that feeling for a long time after eating. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Frequent nausea and/or vomiting. |
| Abdominal pain | Pain in the upper abdomen. |
| Filling the stomach | Feeling of gas and bloating. |
| Other features | Loss of appetite, weight loss, sudden increases and decreases in blood sugar levels, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and chronic acid reflux. |
If you continue to have symptoms like these, it's definitely best to talk to your doctor.
What diseases can be detected by this test?
If the stomach is emptying slowly, it could be a sign of a stomach blockage or a condition where the muscles and nerves in the stomach are not working properly. This is medically called `Gastroparesis` .
Also, if the stomach empties too quickly, we call it `Dumping Syndrome` . This is also a problem with the muscles and nerves. This condition is common among people who have had stomach surgery. However, if you have not had surgery, it can also be a symptom of another underlying medical condition.
How should you prepare before the test?
This is very important. The doctor will give you the necessary instructions before the test. You should also tell him about the medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have.
| Do's and Don'ts Before the Test | |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Do not eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours before the test. Since the test is usually performed in the morning, you will be asked to fast from the night before. |
| If you have diabetes | If you take insulin for diabetes, bring your insulin and glucose meter. Your blood sugar levels will be measured before the test and insulin will be administered to control it if necessary. |
| Smoking | Do not smoke before the test. It can delay the emptying of your stomach. |
| Some medications | Depending on your doctor's advice, you may need to stop taking certain medications (e.g., painkillers, antidepressants, and some medications for gastritis) for a few days. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor about this. The test is not performed in these cases due to the radioactive material. |
What happens during the test?
This is a very simple process.
1. Meal: First, you will be given a specially prepared meal. This usually consists of egg whites mixed with a radioactive substance ``(Sulfur Colloid)``, a slice of bread with jam, and a glass of water. This must be finished within 10 minutes .
2. Scanning: The technician will then take you to the scanner. You will be asked to stand if possible, or lie down if not. The scanning camera will be aimed at your stomach and scanned for about a minute at a time.
3. Time: The first scan is taken right after you finish eating. Then, you will be scanned again in an hour, two hours, and four hours. You can leave the room during these scans, but you must return on time.
This entire test usually takes between 2 and 4 hours . The maximum time it takes for a stomach to empty is usually 4 hours, so you have to wait that long. If it empties before that, the test will be over quickly.
You will not feel any pain or discomfort during this test. You will not taste or smell the radioactive material in the food.
How to understand the test results?
Your doctor will explain the report you receive after the test. It shows how much food was left in your stomach at 1, 2, and 4 hours.
| Status | Result |
|---|---|
| Normal Results | |
| After 1 hour | More than 30% of the food should remain in the stomach. |
| After 2 hours | At least 40% of the food should be empty. |
| After 4 hours | At least 90% of the food should be empty (less than 10% should be left). |
| Abnormal Results | |
| Slow emptying of food (Gastroparesis) | - If more than 60% of the food remains in the stomach after 2 hours. - If more than 10% of the food remains in the stomach after 4 hours. |
| Dumping Syndrome | - If more than 70% of the food is empty after 1 hour. |
After this test, the radioactive material that entered your body will be completely eliminated through urine and feces within two days. Drinking plenty of water will help speed up this process.
Take-Home Message
- A `Gastric Emptying Study` is a simple and painless test that measures the time it takes for food to empty from your stomach.
- If you have symptoms such as frequent bloating, nausea, and stomach cramps, this test can help find the cause.
- This helps to identify conditions such as `Gastroparesis` (delayed emptying of food) and `Dumping Syndrome` (rapid emptying of food).
- It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions (fasting, stopping certain medications) exactly before the test.
- Ask your doctor to explain the test results in a way that you can understand.
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