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SOUTH DENVER GASTROENTEROLOGY, P.C.

Gastric Emptying Study
in Denver

What is a Gastric Emptying Study?

A gastric emptying study or test is performed to measure the time that it takes for food to empty out of your stomach. Normally, it takes 1 ½ hours for food to move out of the stomach and into the small intestine after consuming a meal. In cases where the stomach takes longer than this to empty, it is called gastroparesis. When your food stays in your stomach for too long, it can transform into a solid mass called a bezoar, which can lead to blockages. Gastroparesis can also lead to malnutrition. Gastric emptying studies can help patients to receive treatment for this condition before serious complications occur.

Gastroparesis is commonly associated with the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal bloating.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • A feeling of fullness after a few bites of food.
  • Unintentional weight loss.

My experience with South Denver GI has been outstanding. Everyone I have met on the staff is exceptionally professional with tremendous people skills. Top-notch practice that I would unequivocally recommend to anyone.

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The front staff was immediately attentive as soon as I walked in. The nurses and PAs were professional and very nice, and the doctors were even better. The procedure went smoothly and could not have gone better. Of course, having positive lab results makes it easier to post a glowing report but I got the impression that if I had been diagnosed differently, they would have taken care of me with the same kindness and dedication.

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These people were all extremely professional and kind. The bedside manner from all staff was great and they were thorough with all information. Medical stuff is hard to deal with, but with people like this, the discomfort was eased. I highly recommend this office to anyone needing this type of help.

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The Gastric Emptying Study Procedure

Before your gastric emptying test, our team will provide you with specific preparation instructions. Patients should not drink or eat anything after midnight the day before their test and until after their test is done.

To begin the test, you will be given a light meal to eat, which usually consists of eggs and toast, that will contain a harmless amount of radioactive material known as a tracer. Once you have finished eating, you will lie down on an X-ray table and images will be taken of your abdomen. The tracer will show how the food travels through your stomach. Over the next few hours, more images will be taken to see how long it takes for the food to move out of your stomach and into your gastrointestinal tract. You will be free to get up and leave the exam room between further imaging periods, which usually takes place 1, 2 and 4 hours after the first image was taken.

Results

Your provider will review your results and then share them with you at your next visit. If your results show that it takes longer than normal for your stomach to empty, you may have gastroparesis.

In order to treat gastroparesis, your provider will need to identify and treat the underlying cause. Common treatment methods may include changes to your diet, taking certain medications to stimulate the stomach muscles or surgical treatment.

Your South Denver GI Team

At South Denver GI, our team of physicians and advanced practice providers have the expertise to provide you with outstanding care. If you would like to learn more about Gastric Emptying Study or need to schedule an appointment at our office, contact us today!


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Click on the Schedule Appointment button to schedule an appointment with your South Denver GI provider online. If you do not wish to use our convenient online scheduling tool, please fill out the form below and our team will contact you shortly.