Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach rhythmic peristaltic movement slows down significantly. This can be due to many reasons and is commonly seen after surgery and during severe systemic infections. At times, electrolyte imbalances or side effect from medicine may also cause gastroparesis. The end result may be bloating, nausea and vomiting similar to that of a gastric outlet obstruction.
Treatment of gastroparesis starts with excluding a structural obstruction and identifying the most likely underlying cause and administer the respective treatment. At times, no cause can be found and treatment with medicine to promote gastric movement may be attempted. In the very extreme case, gastric pacing with a gastric pacemaker may be required under special circumstances.
- Dr Quan
