Electrogastrography: a non-invasive measurement of gastric function

Background Electrogastrography (EGG) is the non-invasive measurement of gas tric electrical activity. With the development of modern technology, improv ed recording and automated analysis, it is a reliable and accurate techniqu e for the measurement of gastric myoelectrical activity providing informati on about the frequency and regularity of the gastric slow wave. Aim The aim of this report is to evaluate its role in clinical practice. Methods The literature is reviewed and its role investigated. Results EGG has been successfully used in the investigation of gastroparesi s, non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), gastric emptying (GE) disorders and diabetes mellitus (DM). EGG also provides an insight into the effect of medications on gastric function, e.g. edrophonium, cisapride, erythromycin and proton-p ump inhibitors (PPI). Conclusions EGG has a developing role in the assessment of gastric dysfunct ion and on the effect of medical treatment. The effect of surgery and anaes thesia on gastric myoelectric activity is less clear.