Evaluating stomach function
Call (512) 453-6100 to schedule your exam.
A gastric emptying scan measures how fast food empties from your stomach to the small intestine. This procedure helps evaluate abnormal stomach function, which may be caused by stomach ulcers, cancers, medications, and nerve damage from diabetes. In this study, the patient eats a meal into which a small amount of radiopharmaceutical has been added. A specialized scanner is then used to record the time it takes for the meal to pass from the stomach into the intestine. An assessment is then made as to whether the time is normal, too fast, or too slow.
Doctors request gastric emptying scans to evaluate symptoms caused by the stomach emptying too quickly or too slowly. This includes symptoms of diarrhea, ligheadedness, weakness, or early satiety when the stomach empties too quickly. It includes symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and persistent fullness after eating when the stomach empties too slowly.
Slow gastric emptying may be due to gastric outlet obstruction which is when something blocks the area where the stomach connects to the small intestine. Gastric outlet obstruction may be caused by:
Delayed gastric emptying may also be due to gastroparesis, a condition that results from the dysfunction of stomach nerves and muscles. Gastroparesis may be caused by medications, diabetes or other illness.
To schedule a gastric emptying scan, please call our scheduling team at (512) 453-6100 or toll free at (800) 998-8214. A provider referral is required to make an appointment.
A radiologist who is trained to interpret molecular radiology examinations will analyze the images and send a report to the provider who referred you to ARA. The provider will then share the results with you. Your report will also be available on the patient portal within 15 days.
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