Gastroparesis

In gastroparesis, food moves from the stomach to the small intestine too slowly despite the absence of a physical obstruction. Causes include diabetes, surgery, neurologic disease and certain medicines, while some cases are idiopathic.

Why is it important? Symptoms are not specific, so ulcers, obstruction, functional dyspepsia and other conditions must be considered.

Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis requires documented delayed gastric emptying after obstruction is excluded, commonly with a standardized gastric-emptying scan. Treatment includes dietary changes, correction of aggravating factors, medication and, in selected cases, G-POEM or other interventions.