intragastric

Intragastric is an anatomical and clinical term describing something located within the stomach or occurring inside the gastric lumen. The word derives from Latin intra- meaning within and gastricus meaning of the stomach. It is used to describe processes, measurements, or devices that take place or reside inside the stomach.

In clinical practice, intragastric references are common in gastroenterology and obesity treatment. Intragastric balloons are implanted endoscopically to occupy space in the stomach as a non-surgical weight-loss method. Intragastric feeding refers to nutrition delivered into the stomach via a tube such as a nasogastric or orogastric tube for short-term or certain medical conditions. Intragastric pH monitoring involves placing a sensor within the stomach to assess acidity, useful in evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease or ulcer disease. Intragastric pressure measurements can be used in physiologic studies or before certain anesthesia procedures.

Safety and considerations: intragastric procedures or devices carry risks including intolerance, nausea, vomiting, gastric ulcers, perforation, bleeding, infection, and device-related complications. Careful patient selection, imaging, and ongoing monitoring are essential. Many intragastric devices are temporary and require removal or natural passage after their intended use.

See also: gastrointestinal tract, gastroenterology, endoscopy, gastric, intragastric balloon, intragastric pH monitoring.