How to diagnose gastroparesis

The term gastroparesis is used to indicate a particular pathological condition, characterized by a partial paralysis of the stomach musculature .

Because of this partial paralysis, the food stays for a long time inside the stomach and the digestive process is considerably slowed down.

Moreover, gastroparesis is also called delayed gastric emptying .

DIAGNOSIS METHODS

Diagnosing gastroparesis correctly and in time is very important, as otherwise complications may arise.

As often happens, the diagnostic protocol begins with a thorough physical examination, during which the doctor evaluates the symptoms in the patient (NB: the typical symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and stomach swelling) and clinical history of the latter.

The next step after the physical examination consists in performing some laboratory tests, such as blood tests, and some instrumental tests, such as:

• Radiography of the digestive system : through an X-ray instrument the doctor observes the progression, along the digestive tract, of a radiopaque contrast agent (usually barium sulfate), previously ingested by the patient.

• Gastrointestinal scintigraphy : involves the measurement of how long a radioactive tracer, previously taken with food or a drink, remains in the stomach. A special instrument is required for the vision of the radioactive tracer.

• Endoscopy of the digestive system : it consists in inserting, along the digestive tract, an endoscope, that is a probe equipped with a camera and connected to an external monitor.

• Wireless capsule test : involves the ingestion by the patient of an electronic instrument that records the speed with which the food passes through the digestive system.