Gastroparesis

Question 1

What is gastroparesis?

Answer 1

Delayed gastric emptying, without any physical obstruction

Question 2

What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?

Answer 2

Feeling of fullness
Nausea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Upper abdominal pain

Question 3

List causes of gastroparesis

Answer 3

Idiopathic
Diabetes mellitus
Cannabis
Medication e.g. opiates, anticholinergics
Systemic diseases e.g. systemic sclerosis

Question 4

How is gastroparesis investigated?

Answer 4

Gastric emptying studies (a study that tests how long it takes for food and liquid to empty from the stomach into the small intestine)

Question 5

What is the management of gastroparesis?

Answer 5

Removal of precipitating factors i.e. drugs
Liquid/sloppy diet
Eat a little and often
Low fat
Promotility agents e.g. domperidone and metoclopramide
Nutritional support may involve artificial means of support.
Gastric pacemaker