Learn about Gastric Emptying Study Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Gastric Emptying Study and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Gastric Emptying Study

A Gastric Emptying Study, also known as a Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy, is a specialized nuclear medicine diagnostic test that evaluates how quickly food moves from your stomach into the small intestine. This non-invasive procedure involves eating a small meal, typically containing a safe, trace amount of a radioactive substance (radiotracer). A gamma camera then takes images of your abdomen over several hours to track the radiotracer's movement. It is the gold standard test for diagnosing gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, and helps assess other functional gastrointestinal disorders. The test provides critical quantitative data to guide treatment plans for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety.

Key Highlights

    Non-invasive and generally painless diagnostic procedure.Considered the gold standard for accurately measuring gastric emptying rate.Provides objective, quantitative data to diagnose gastroparesis and other motility disorders.Helps differentiate between different causes of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.Guides effective treatment plans, including dietary changes and medication.Involves minimal radiation exposure, comparable to standard X-rays./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Evaluation of suspected gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying).
  • Unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, or early fullness after meals.
  • Poor blood sugar control in diabetic patients, which can be linked to gastroparesis.
  • Assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms after certain surgeries (e.g., fundoplication, gastric bypass).
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for gastric motility disorders.
  • Investigation of chronic functional dyspepsia or other upper GI disorders.

How to prepare

  • Fasting is required, typically for 4-6 hours before the test (clear liquids may be allowed).
  • Inform your doctor about all medications; you may need to stop certain drugs (like narcotics, anticholinergics, or prokinetics) for 48-72 hours prior.
  • Diabetic patients will receive specific instructions regarding insulin and food intake.
  • Avoid smoking and chewing gum on the day of the test, as these can affect stomach activity.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or belts near the abdomen.
  • Inform the technologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any allergies.

Risks & possible complications

  • Exposure to a very low level of ionizing radiation from the radiotracer.
  • Minor risk of an allergic reaction to the radiotracer, though this is extremely rare.
  • Discomfort or nausea from consuming the test meal, especially if gastroparesis is present.
  • The test results may be affected if preparation instructions (like fasting or medication holds) are not followed precisely.
  • There is no risk from the gamma camera itself, as it only detects radiation.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • There is typically no recovery period; you can resume normal activities and diet immediately after the test.
  • Drink plenty of water to help flush the small amount of radioactive tracer from your body.
  • The radiotracer loses its radioactivity naturally and is eliminated within a day or two.
  • Results are analyzed by a nuclear medicine physician and your referring doctor, who will discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment.
  • No special precautions are usually needed at home, but you may be advised to avoid close contact with pregnant women or young children for a few hours as a general precaution.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0 days (Immediate)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering gastric emptying study in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gastric emptying study compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 49 – USD 131 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days (Immediate) Know More
Turkey USD 362 – USD 966 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days (Immediate) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

As an 82-year-old with multiple health...

As an 82-year-old with multiple health issues, I was terrified of undergoing a PET scan. Dr. Arun Prashanth not only explained the entire nuclear medicine procedure in simple Tamil but held my hand throughout the process. His team at MIOT made me feel like family rather than just another patient.