Gastroptosis Diagnosis: Understanding The Evaluation Process

The stomach of a healthy individual is located in the upper left part of the abdominal cavity. When standing upright, the lowest point of the stomach should not extend below two finger-widths beneath the navel. This positioning plays an important role in maintaining normal gastric function. In individuals suffering from gastroptosis, the lowest point of the stomach may drop below the line connecting both iliac crests. There are several diagnostic methods used to evaluate this condition:

Firstly, body type assessment can be a helpful initial indicator. People with a lean and tall physique may be more prone to gastroptosis. Additionally, tenderness in the upper abdomen might become less defined due to upright posture during physical labor. In some cases, using percussion palpation or having the patient rapidly change positions may reveal a splashing sound (fluid wave sound) below the navel. The upper abdomen may also allow for easy detection of aortic pulsations, and may be accompanied by signs of other visceral prolapses such as liver ptosis, renal ptosis, or colonic ptosis.

Secondly, barium meal radiography of the gastrointestinal tract is a more definitive diagnostic tool. This imaging method allows doctors to observe the position of the stomach while the patient is standing. The severity of gastroptosis is classified into three degrees based on the lowest point of the gastric lesser curvature in relation to the line connecting the iliac crests:

- Mild gastroptosis refers to the lowest point of the gastric lesser curvature being located 1–5 cm below the iliac crest line.
- Moderate gastroptosis indicates the lowest point is between 5–10 cm below the line.
- Severe gastroptosis means the lowest point is more than 10 cm below the iliac crest line.

In conclusion, accurate diagnosis of gastroptosis involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies, allowing for proper classification and management of the condition. If you suspect you may have gastroptosis, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.