Epigastric impedance: a non-invasive method for the assessment of gastric emptying and motility.

The impedance of the epigastrium to a 4 mA, 100 KHz AC current increases while liquids of low electrical conductivity are being drunk. Logically, the decline which follows occurs as the liquid leaves the stomach. This impedance measurement of gastric emptying proved comparable with the dye dilution method. In a placebo controlled trial the impedance method recorded significantly faster gastric emptying rates after metoclopramide. The impedance trace contains regular activity in the 2-4 cycle/min range consistent with gastric contractions. This non-invasive and technically simple method may thus provide a measure of simultaneous gastric emptying rates and motility.