Information for the public
The condition
The condition
Gastrointestinal motility is about the movements of the stomach and bowel and the passage of food and liquid through them. If motility is disturbed, you may develop symptoms. These include conditions such as gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) and slow transit constipation (sluggish bowels). Motility disorders can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Common tests include:
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A gastric emptying scintigraphy scan, where you eat a bland food containing a very small amount of a radioactive substance that is detected on a scan and can be timed and followed as it leaves the stomach.
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Radiopaque marker assessment, where you swallow a liquid which will show up on an X‑ray, which allows your doctor to see the passage of the liquid through your digestive system.
NICE have looked at using a wireless capsule to assess the motility of the gastrointestinal tract as another option.
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.