Gastric tonometry

Gastric tonometry is a medical procedure used to measure the oxygen tension in the gastric mucosa, which is the lining of the stomach. It is a non-invasive method that can be used to assess the adequacy of oxygen delivery to the gastrointestinal tract.

Pronunciation

Gastric tonometry is pronounced as gas-trik toh-nom-uh-tree.

Etymology

The term "gastric" is derived from the Greek word "gaster," meaning stomach. "Tonometry" comes from the Greek words "tonos," meaning tension, and "metron," meaning measure. Thus, gastric tonometry literally means measuring the tension in the stomach.

Procedure

Gastric tonometry involves the insertion of a specialized nasogastric tube into the stomach. The tube has a balloon at the end, which is inflated to make contact with the gastric mucosa. The balloon is then deflated and the gas inside is analyzed to determine the partial pressure of oxygen in the gastric mucosa.

Clinical Significance

Gastric tonometry is used in critical care settings to monitor patients at risk of ischemia in the gastrointestinal tract. It can provide an early warning of inadequate oxygen delivery to the gut, which can be a sign of serious conditions such as shock or sepsis.

Related Terms

• Nasogastric tube
• Oxygen delivery
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Ischemia
• Shock
• Sepsis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Gastric tonometry
• Wikipedia's article - Gastric tonometry

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