Scintigraphic techniques for the study of gastrointestinal motor function.

A variety of scintigraphic techniques has been added to the gastroenterologist's armamentarium for the evaluation of motor dysfunction of the upper gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary tree. These methods include: esophageal transit scintigraphy for the measurement and quantitation of aboral movement of liquids through the esophagus, and for the measurement of esophageal clearance; gastroesophageal reflux scintigraphy for the detection and quantitation of gastroesophageal reflux, gastric scintigraphy for the physiological measurement of the simultaneous rates of emptying of liquids and solids from the stomach; hepatobiliary scintigraphy for the detection of acute cholecystitis, biliary tract obstruction, bile leaks; and enterogastric reflux scintigraphy for the detection and quantitation of bile reflux from the small bowel into the stomach. Each of these methods is relatively physiologic in comparison to other modalities in that none requires intubation or other nonphysiologic maneuvers. Each offers the practicing internist, surgeon, and gastrointestinal physiologist, the ability to measure normal and abnormal function in patients. Because of the low radiation burdens involved and high patient acceptance, these methods are suitable for serial studies in the same patient, particularly before and after the application of various therapeutic modalities.