Reference Values for Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy After Bariatric Surgery

Oesophageal and gastric scintigraphy evaluates the function of the gastrointestinal system including variables such as oesophageal transit and gastric emptying (GE). Some variables are known to change after bariatric surgery. In patients that have symptoms of pain or nausea after bariatric surgery, oesophageal and gastric scintigraphy plays an important role in determining the nature of symptoms and is necessary for adequate treatment. However, literature on reference values in the bariatric population are scarce. At this moment, quantitative evaluation of the scintigraphy cannot be performed and conclusions are based on visual interpretation. There is a need for a standardised scintigraphy protocol for the population that underwent bariatric surgery taking into account the changed anatomy and physiology. Then, reference values that describe the oesophageal transit and GE assessed using scintigraphy have to be determined.