Gastric emptying imaging study (eg, solid, liquid, or both)
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Gastric Emptying Imaging Study Common names: Gastric Emptying Scan, Gastric Emptying Study Technical terms: Gastric Scintigraphy
Summary
A gastric emptying imaging study is a painless, non-invasive procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive material and imaging technology to observe and measure how quickly food leaves the stomach. It helps diagnose digestive problems related to the stomach's emptying process.
Purpose
The procedure addresses conditions such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), and other disorders that affect how quickly the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine. The goal is to accurately diagnose these conditions, allowing for appropriate treatment to improve digestive function and alleviate symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
Indications
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Symptoms suggestive of slowed or rapid stomach emptying
- Unexplained bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Suspected gastroparesis or other motility disorders
Preparation
- Fasting for at least 4 to 6 hours before the test.
- Discontinuing certain medications as advised by a healthcare provider.
- Completing any necessary medical history or physical assessments.
Procedure Description
- Patient Ingestion: The patient consumes a meal or liquid containing a small amount of radioactive material.
- Imaging: Using a gamma camera, the medical team captures images of the stomach at various intervals over a period (typically 1 to 4 hours).
- Data Analysis: The images help determine the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine.
No anesthesia or sedation is usually required. The radioactive material is safe, with minimal exposure akin to a standard X-ray.
Duration
The procedure typically takes between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the testing protocol.
Setting
The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic equipped with specialized nuclear medicine technology.
Personnel
- Nuclear medicine technologists
- Radiologists
- Nurses
Risks and Complications
- Common: Minimal risks, low-level radiation exposure.
- Rare: Allergic reactions to the meal or radioactive material.
Benefits
The procedure helps in the accurate diagnosis of motility disorders, guiding effective treatment to improve digestive symptoms. Results are usually available shortly after the test.
Recovery
- Post-Procedure: Immediate return to normal activities unless advised otherwise.
- Follow-Up: Based on the findings, additional tests or treatments may be scheduled.
Alternatives
- Endoscopy: Involves inserting a tube with a camera to visualize the gastrointestinal tract.
- Manometry: Measures pressure within the stomach to assess motility.
Each alternative has its own set of indications, benefits, and limitations compared to a gastric emptying study.
Patient Experience
Patients might feel slight discomfort from fasting but should find the procedure itself painless. The meal typically tastes normal, and the radioactive material does not affect taste or cause immediate side effects.
Pain management is usually unnecessary, but patients may feel reassured by the minimal non-invasive nature of the test. Comfort measures include calm explanations from the healthcare team and ensuring a restful environment during the imaging process.