Antro-duodenal Motility Study

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Slideshow

Medical Author: Jay W. Marks, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is an antro-duodenal motility study?
• When is an antro-duodenal motility study used?
• How is an antro-duodenal motility study done?
• How are the results of an antro-duodenal motility study evaluated?
• Are there any side effects to an antro-duodenal motility study?
• Are there any alternatives to an antro-duodenal motility study?

What is an antro-duodenal motility study?

An antro-duodenal motility study is used to evaluate the ability of the muscles of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine (duodenum) to contract. Conditions in which there is abnormal contraction of the muscles of the stomach and the small intestine are referred to as motility disorders. Therefore, an antro-duodenal motility study is used to identify motility disorders.

When is an antro-duodenal motility study used?

An antro-duodenal motility study is used to diagnose a motility disorder of the stomach or small intestine, that is, a condition of abnormal function of the muscles of the stomach and/or small intestine. Such abnormal function usually is suspected when there are symptoms and signs of obstruction to the flow of food through the stomach and intestines. These symptoms usually are nausea, vomiting, and intestinal distention (enlargement). The obstruction is a direct result of the inability of the abnormally functioning muscles to propel food through the stomach and intestines. One common cause of motility disorders of the stomach and intestines is diabetes mellitus.

How is an antro-duodenal motility study done?

• For an antro-duodenal motility study, a thin tube (one-eighth inch in diameter) is passed through the nose, down the esophagus, through the stomach and into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
  
  
• Sensors in the tube measure the amount of pressure generated when the muscles of the stomach and intestine contract and squeeze tightly around the tube; the greater the contraction of the muscles, the greater the pressure sensed by the tube.
  
  
• All contractions are recorded by a computer for analysis.
  
  
• Contractions are recorded at rest for up to several hours and for one or two hours after a meal. Thus, a study may take up to six hours.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• metoclopramide, Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon - Read about metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon), a drug used to treat heartburn, diabetic gastroparesis, and esophagitis due to gastroesophageal reflux. Side effects, drug interactions, and dosage information is also included.
• Gastric Emptying Study - Information on gastric emptying study test procedure includes how and when gastric emptying study is used, evaluation of the test results, and side effects.
• Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.

Read more Antro-duodenal Motility Study related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Patients Not Always Told of Lab Results