Delayed gastric emptying following pancreaticoduodenectomy: an analysis of diagnostic methods

Introduction. Objective of the study. This study aims to analyze clinical and objective methods of diagnosing delayed gastric emptying following pancreaticoduodenectomy.Materials and methods. Within the scope of this review, we analyzed scientific publications and studies related to the problem of diagnosing delayed gastric emptying. Clinical, laboratory, and instrumental diagnostic methods were considered, including: unified gastroparesis criteria according to ISGPS classification, Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), caprylic acid breath test, acetaminophen absorption test, gastric radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, electrogastrography, examination using a video capsule (SmartPill), and scintigraphic method.Results. Based on the analyzed data, it was established that the majority of available methods for diagnosing delayed gastric emptying have certain limitations and do not provide a complete and objective evaluation of gastric motility. The scintigraphic method, recognized as the gold standard, has the highest sensitivity and specificity, as it provides a physiological, non-invasive, and quantitative assessment of gastric evacuation in the postoperative period.Conclusions. Various methods for diagnosing delayed gastric emptying provide an opportunity to assess disruptions in the motor-evacuatory function of the stomach and to detect the presence of gastroparesis. Scintigraphic examination is the most informative method, providing an objective assessment of the function of gastrojejunostomy and choledochojejunostomy.