Electro-gastrogram(EGG)

EGG is a non-invasive way to measure gastric function, where electrodes placed on the skin of the abdomen record the electrical activity of the stomach.

The procedure takes about 45 minutes and requires no special preparation or any anaesthesia. The electrodes are placed on the skin (shaving at the specific electrode points may be required) and are left for 10-15 mins for calibration to take place. Then a 5-minute water load satiety test is performed, where you will drink water until you feel relatively full. Several more traces are recorded of the stomach’s electrical activity over the next 30 minutes. The electrodes are then removed and the test is complete. The traces are analysed and a report sent to the referring doctor.

EGG can be used to help diagnose disorders of stomach function like gastroparesis where the stomach empties into the small intestine too slowly, which can also contribute to reflux.