Electrogastrography: Clinical Applications

Abstract

Electrogastrography (EGG) is defined as the recording of myoelectric activity of the smooth muscles of the stomach by means of cutaneous electrodes attached to the epigastric skin. Although the origin of the electrogastrogram is clear, the interpretation of the ‘raw’ electrogastrographic signal is problematic. To overcome this problem, running-spectrum analysis was introduced. After defining the electrogastrographic characteristics of the gastric myoelectric behaviour in healthy subjects, and an attempt had been made to identify the different phases of the interdigestive migrating complex, several patient groups were studied. The abnormal myoelectric activity found was characterized by: 1) unstable gastric frequency; 2) tachygastrias; and 3) abnormal postprandial amplitude behaviour of the gastric frequency. This abnormal myoelectric activity was correlated with nausea and vomiting and a delayed gastric emptying for solids. It was concluded that EGG can be regarded as a powerful non-invasive tool for the study of gastric myoelectric activity in both health and disease.