Gastroparesis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Gastroparesis

Definition:

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach's ability to empty its contents is impaired, unrelated to obstruction.

Alternative Names:

Gastroparesis diabeticorum; Delayed gastric emptying

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of gastroparesis is unknown, but disruption of nerve stimulation to the intestine may be responsible. The condition is a common complication of diabetes and can be a complication of some surgeries. Risk factors for gastroparesis include diabetes, systemic sclerosis, previous vagotomy, previous gastrectomy, visceral neuropathy, and use of anticholinergic medication.

Review Date: 5/14/2004
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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