How is an electrogastrogram performed?

Under normal circumstances, electrogastrography (EGG) is a test that uses surface electrodes to record gastrointestinal activity and can accurately detect gastric motility and functional disorders. The specific procedure is as follows:

1. Before the examination, the patient must fast for at least 6 hours and sign an informed consent form.

2. The patient lies in a supine position, and an appropriate amount of coupling agent is applied to the tip of the probe.

3. Place the ultrasound probe on the patient's abdomen and locate the antrum to determine its external abdominal position.

5. Place two recording electrodes along the axis of the gastric antrum. One electrode is placed at the midpoint of the line connecting the xiphoid process and the umbilicus along the midline of the abdomen; the other recording electrode is positioned 5 cm away from the first electrode at a 45° angle toward the upper left.

6. Place a reference electrode on the patient’s right abdomen, at the same level as the midline electrode but 10–15 cm laterally. After confirming signal stability, record the fasting state for 30–60 minutes.

7. After the test, the patient consumes a standard meal, followed by another 30–60 minutes of recording using the same method.

8. Dry the patient’s abdomen, help them dress, and conclude the examination.

Patients should discontinue any medications affecting gastric motility at least one week prior to the EGG test to avoid interference with results. For electrogastrography, it is recommended to visit a正规 medical institution and have the procedure performed by a qualified physician.