Gastroperesis & Achalasia

Question 1

describe what gastroperesis is

Answer 1

delayed gastric emptying, with no physical obstruction

Question 2

what are the symptoms of gastroperesis

Answer 2

feeling of fullness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, upper abdominal pain

Question 3

what are some of the causes of gastroperesis

Answer 3

idiopathic, cannabis, diabetes mellitus, medication, systemic disease(e.g. systemic sclerosis)

Question 4

what investigation can be done for gastroperesis

Answer 4

gastric emptying studies

Question 5

what lifestyle changes can be made to manage gastroperesis

Answer 5

removal of precipitating factors(e.g. drugs), a liquid/sloppy diet, eating little meals often

Question 6

what is involved in the treatment of gastroperesis

Answer 6

promotility agents, gastric pacemaker

Question 7

what is achalasia characterised by

Answer 7

oesophageal aperistalsis and impaired relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter(LOS)

Question 8

what is aperistalsis

Answer 8

the absence of peristaltic action