Electrogastrography (EGG) is a completely non-invasive measurement of the gastric myoelectrical activity from cutaneous Ag\AgCl electrodes placed on the abdominal wall anterior to the stomach. EGG can be recorded from a pair of electrodes for a single or for multiple channels. The advantages of four-channel EGG measurement consist in detailed analysis; it also allows the study of electrical coupling and propagation of gastric slow-wave activity. The study consists of a 45 minutes’ preprandial period and a 45 minutes’ postprandial period after consumption of a standard meal. In health, the dominant frequency and power reflect the normal basic rhythm of the slow waves, and the contractile activity provoked by food or other stimuli. The peristaltic antral activity that is essential for normal primary gastric function is reflected in EGG as an increase in its dominant power. The impaired myoelectrical activity observed in EGG is associated with disturbed motility and upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and may be suggestive of delayed gastric emptying.

Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and Faculty Hospital Brno

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