Comparison of anterior and geometric mean liquid and solid gastric emptying rates in dogs and in patients after partial gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if geometrical correction is necessary in the study of gastric emptying rate (GER) for liquids, using a low-energy radionuclide, such as 99mTc. Solid test meals were considered the reference.

METHODS

Both solid and liquid GERs were investigated using regional analysis. Anterior data were compared with geometrically corrected values in 15 dogs and 9 partial gastrectomy patients.

RESULTS

Anterior and geometrically corrected measurements differed significantly for solid food in the whole gastric region and in the antrum. Geometrically corrected values differed slightly from anterior data after partial gastrectomy. No difference was found for liquid food. Liquids redistributed much faster than solids within the stomach.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of GER using a single-phase liquid meal does not require geometrical correction. This is due to the rapid intragastric redistribution of the liquid. Geometrical correction for solid food can be omitted only after partial gastrectomy.