Learn About Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition that reduces the ability of the stomach to empty its contents. It does not involve a blockage (obstruction).
Gastroparesis diabeticorum; Delayed gastric emptying; Diabetes - gastroparesis; Diabetic neuropathy - gastroparesis
The exact cause of gastroparesis is unknown. It may be caused by a disruption of nerve signals to the stomach. The condition is a common complication of diabetes. It can also follow some surgeries.
Risk factors for gastroparesis include:
- Diabetes
- Gastrectomy (surgery to remove part of the stomach)
- Systemic sclerosis
- Use of medicine that blocks certain nerve signals (anticholinergic medicine)
Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal distention
- Abdominal pain
- Hypoglycemia (in people with diabetes)
- Nausea
- Premature abdominal fullness after meals
- Weight loss without trying
- Vomiting
People with diabetes should always control their blood sugar level. Better control of blood sugar level may improve symptoms of gastroparesis. Eating small and more frequent meals and soft foods may also help relieve some symptoms.
Medicines that may help include:
- Cholinergic drugs, which act on acetylcholine nerve receptors
- Erythromycin
- Metoclopramide, a medicine that helps empty the stomach
- Serotonin antagonist drugs, which act on serotonin receptors
Other treatments may include:
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injected into the outlet of the stomach (pylorus)
- Electrical stimulation of the stomach
- Surgical procedure that creates an opening between the stomach and small intestine to allow food to move through the digestive tract more easily (gastroenterostomy)
MD Anderson
Mehnaz Shafi is a Gastroenterologist in Houston, Texas. Dr. Shafi and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gastroparesis. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroparesis, Gastric Dysmotility, Barrett Esophagus, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
Massachusetts General Physicians Organization Inc
Braden Kuo is a Gastroenterologist in Danvers, Massachusetts. Dr. Kuo and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gastroparesis. His top areas of expertise are Gastroparesis, Indigestion, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Kuo is currently accepting new patients.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Matthew Kroh is a General Surgeon in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Kroh and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gastroparesis. His top areas of expertise are Hiatal Hernia, Obesity, Gastroparesis, Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Kroh is currently accepting new patients.
Many treatments seem to provide only temporary benefit.
Ongoing nausea and vomiting may cause:
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Malnutrition
People with diabetes may have serious complications from poor blood sugar control.
Changes in your diet may help control symptoms. Contact your health care provider if symptoms continue or if you have new symptoms.
Summary: Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (GPOEM) is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves dividing the pylorus, to enhance gastric emptying in gastroparesis patients. This is a single-arm, multi-centre, prospective observational study to determine the clinical utility of Gastric Alimetry in predicting GPOEM treatment outcomes. The investigators further aim to develop a clinical decision rule to i...
Summary: Glucagon-like receptor-1 agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as Semaglutide (Ozempic), are a class of drugs used for glycemic control in diabetes, and for weight loss and management in obesity. It has been shown to delay gastric emptying and lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the exact mechanisms are unknown. Alterations in gastric function, including myoelectrical activity, may be a likely mechan...
Published Date: November 03, 2022
Published By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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