Gastric Emptying Scan in Chennai
What is this study?
A Gastric Emptying Scan, also known as Gastric Emptying Study or Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine imaging procedure used to evaluate the rate at which food moves from the stomach into the small intestine. It helps assess gastric motility and diagnose conditions such as gastroparesis, a disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying.
What is the need for the study?
The Gastric Emptying Scan is performed to:
- Evaluate gastric motility and assess the rate of food emptying from the stomach into the small intestine.
- Diagnose gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety.
- Monitor the response to treatment in patients with gastroparesis or other gastric motility disorders.
This study helps healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses, develop appropriate treatment plans, and optimize patient management for gastric motility disorders.
How do I prepare?
Preparation for a Gastric Emptying Scan may include:
- Medication: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as certain medications may need to be temporarily stopped before the scan.
- Fasting: You may be instructed to fast for a period before the scan, typically overnight, to ensure an empty stomach for accurate imaging.
- Water Consumption: Drink plenty of water before the scan to ensure adequate hydration.
Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the Gastric Emptying Scan based on your individual circumstances.
How is this scan performed?
During a Gastric Emptying Scan:
- Radiotracer Ingestion: You will consume a meal containing a small amount of a radioactive tracer, typically technetium-99m (Tc-99m) sulfur colloid, mixed with solid food or a liquid. The radioactive tracer allows visualization of the movement of food through the digestive tract.
- Imaging: A gamma camera is used to acquire images of the abdomen over a period of several hours. The camera detects the gamma rays emitted by theradioactive tracer, allowing visualization of the tracer as it moves from the stomach into the small intestine.
- Image Analysis: The images obtained from the scan are analyzed to assess the rate of gastric emptying and identify any abnormalities or delays in the process.
What should I do after the scan?
After the Gastric Emptying Scan:
- Resume Normal Activities: You can usually resume your normal activities immediately after the scan.
- Follow-Up: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to review the results of the scan and discuss further management, if necessary.
Are there any risks in the study?
Gastric Emptying Scans are generally considered safe and non-invasive. The amount of radiation exposure from the radioactive tracer used in the scan is minimal and poses little risk to most patients. However, as with any medical procedure involving radiation, there is a small risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the Gastric Emptying Scan with you and address any concerns you may have before proceeding with the procedure.
It’s essential to follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider and communicate any symptoms or concerns you experience during or after the Gastric Emptying Scan. Your healthcare team is here to support you throughout the process and ensure the best possible outcomes for your gastric health.
