Electrogastrography
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INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS:+1.713.441.2340
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The gastrointestinal (GI) specialists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders use noninvasive electrogastrography to investigate low-motility-induced bowel discomfort. Our refined techniques produce quick results that help diagnose and treat digestive dysfunction.
An electrogastrography is a noninvasive digestive disorder diagnostic technique performed alongside an electrogastrogram (EGG). Together, these evaluate the gastric (stomach) muscles for proper function. Food and drink move through the stomach when electrical activity prompts the muscles to squeeze and release (peristalsis). Electrogastrography is the procedure that captures the electrical activity that the electrogastrogram records.
An electrogastrography can determine if abnormal gastric electrical activity is causing nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain symptoms. Our team of doctors at the Underwood Center has access to the latest equipment and up-to-date research on electrogastrography and EGGs.
Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas every year since the award began and one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.
Other Gastroenterology Tests & Treatment
• pH probe test (nasal catheter)
• Bravo capsule pH test
• Impedance pH test (nasal catheter)
• Anorectal manometry
• Endoscopy
• Esophageal manometry
• Esophageal manometry with provocation
• Pharyngeal manometry
• Small bowel manometry
About the Electrogastrography Procedure
Why do I need an electrogastrography?
In a healthy person, the stomach’s electrical rhythm is set by a “pacemaker” to about three cycles per minute. Gastric dysrhythmias (abnormal rhythms) occur if the electrical activity is too fast (tachygastria) or too slow (bradygastria).
Gastric dysrhythmias are common with nausea, functional dyspepsia (indigestion) and gastroparesis (the inability of your stomach to empty food). Prescribed medications can relieve gastric dysrhythmias and improve chronic nausea and vomiting.
How do I prepare for an electrogastrography?
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before the day of your examination. We admit you as an outpatient, and staff will take your vital signs. This test requires no premedication.
Follow your doctor’s instructions and discontinue the use of all drugs that affect gastric motility, such as prokinetics (Reglan®, Propulsid®, Domperidone®, Erythromycin, Zelnorm®), narcotics, anticholinergics (Bentyl®, Levsin®, Donnatal®), antiemetics (Compazine®, Tigan®, Zofran®), NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Motrin®, Advil®), antidepressants, oral contraceptives, tobacco and alcohol.
What should I expect on the day of the procedure?
We record the test for 30 minutes before you eat and for 1-2 hours after an appropriate test meal. The meal may consist of two scrambled eggs, two pieces of white bread, one packet of butter and four ounces of orange juice, or two slices of turkey, two slices of white bread, one package of mayonnaise and one can of Ensure®.
Some patients may have irritation of the skin at the electrode sites. You may drive yourself home after the procedure.