Gastroparesis for the nongastroenterologist.

Abstract

Gastroparesis is a heterogeneous motility disorder characterized by nausea, vomiting, and postprandial fullness. Its diagnosis requires objective documentation of delayed gastric emptying of solid food and exclusion of mechanical obstruction. Its epidemiology is unclear, and the main causes are diabetes mellitus and idiopathic disease. Cardinal symptoms often co-occur. Management involves nutritional assessment, dietary changes, drug evaluation, glycemic control (for patients with diabetes mellitus), and symptom relief. In this review, we explore challenges nongastroenterologists may encounter and how they can use current recommendations to manage patients with gastroparesis.