| Theme |
The Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders -- Clinical Practice Based on the Understanding of Its Basic Mechanisms |
| Title |
Examination of Gastrointestinal Motility Using Radiopaque Marker |
| Author |
Nobuhiko Taniai |
Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School |
| Author |
Hideyuki Suzuki |
Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School |
| Author |
Hiroyuki Tsuruta |
Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School |
| Author |
Hiroshi Yoshida |
Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School |
| Author |
Eiji Uchida |
Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School |
| Author |
Takashi Tajiri |
Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
The use of radiopaque marker enables easy observation of the movement of contents in the gastrointestinal tract by abdominal plain x-ray radiography. This marker is extremely useful for the diagnosis and establishment of therapeutic strategies for simple obstruction, postoperative adhesion, intractable constipation, etc. Furthermore, gastrointestinal tract motility can be evaluated over time after various operations, and thus this marker is useful in determining appropriate timing to commence postoperative oral intake, and in diagnosing postoperative obstruction at early post operative period. The radiopaque marker enables objective evaluation of gastrointestinal tract motility with no burden on the intestinal tract. However, the use of radiopaque marker is not covered by insurance, and the marker can be purchased only through private import from the US because it is not available in Japan. In addition, the marker is comparatively expensive, and marker should only be used as an auxiliary test for selected patients. |