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Gastroparesis

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach muscles are weakened or paralyzed, leading to delayed emptying of food into the small intestine. This disorder can cause various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and bloating. While gastroparesis can occur for unknown reasons, it is often associated with conditions like diabetes or previous abdominal surgeries.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Patients with gastroparesis may experience a range of symptoms, including:

Nausea and Vomiting: Feelings of nausea or vomiting after meals are common.

Bloating: A sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen, particularly after eating.

Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the stomach area, especially after eating.

Early Satiety: Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.

Unintended Weight Loss: Difficulty consuming enough calories can lead to weight loss.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms persistently, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause and explore treatment options.

Causes and Risk Factors​

The exact cause of gastroparesis isn’t always clear, but several known factors can contribute to its development:

Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the most common causes of gastroparesis, particularly if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled over a long period.

Surgical Procedures: Gastroparesis can develop after surgeries that affect the stomach or vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles.

Medications: Certain medications, such as narcotics and some antidepressants, can slow stomach emptying.

Neurological Conditions: Disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis may impair stomach function.

Diagnosing Gastroparesis

To diagnose gastroparesis, your doctor may recommend a series of tests, including:

Gastric Emptying Study: This test measures how long it takes for food to leave your stomach after eating. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing gastroparesis.

Upper Endoscopy: An endoscopy can help rule out other conditions, such as ulcers or blockages, that could be causing your symptoms.

Electrogastrography (EGG): This test measures the electrical activity of the stomach muscles to identify any abnormalities in the stomach’s contractions.

Treatments for Gastroparesis

Treatment for gastroparesis focuses on managing symptoms and improving stomach emptying. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may include:

Dietary Modifications: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods can reduce symptoms. Liquids or pureed foods may also help with digestion.

Medications: Medications such as metoclopramide and erythromycin can help stimulate stomach contractions and improve gastric emptying.

Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES): For severe cases, GES involves implanting a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the stomach muscles to improve motility.

Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to address complications or to place a feeding tube directly into the small intestine.

What Happens If Left Untreated?​

If left untreated, gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and significant weight loss due to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly. Ongoing vomiting and nausea can also cause esophageal irritation and damage over time, leading to further complications.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms of gastroparesis, the expert team at Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics is here to help. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.

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