Radiologic assessment of gastric emptying of water-soluble contrast media: New data security from a longitudinal study

Abstract

Abstract Background and objectives Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting have not clearly established the fasting time needed after oral administration of water-soluble contrast media. The aim of this study was to determine the time required for the gastric emptying during the water-soluble contrast media in patients with acute abdominal pain. Methods This prospective longitudinal study included sixty-eight patients older than 18 years of age with acute abdominal pain, who required a water-soluble contrast media enhanced abdominal computed tomography study. Plain radiographs were obtained hourly until complete the gastric emptying. Patients with probable bowel obstruction were not included in the study. Results A total of 31 (45,6%), 54 (79,4%), and 64 (94.1%) patients achieved a complete gastric clearance of barium in 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively. All patients achieved complete emptying of water-soluble contrast media within 6 h. Gastric emptying time was not associated with gender (P = 0.44), body mass index (P = 0.35), fasting time prior to water-soluble contrast media intake (P = 0.12), administration of opioids in the emergency room (P = 0.7), and the presence of comorbidities (P = 0.36). Conclusion Ninety-four percent of the patients with acute abdominal pain achieved complete gastric emptying within 3 h after the administration of water-soluble contrast media. All of them achieved complete gastric emptying within 6 h. The results suggested 6 h after oral intake of the contrast media is enough to complete transit of water-soluble contrast media through the stomach and avoid unnecessary risks.