Gastroparesis

Alternative names:

delayed gastric emptying; gastroparesis diabeticorum

Definition:

A condition of severely impaired emptying of gastric contents, unrelated to obstruction.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause is unknown but disruption of nerve stimulation to the intestine may be a possible cause. The condition is a common complication of diabetes or a postoperative disorder. The risk factors include diabetes, systemic sclerosis, previous vagotomy, previous gastrectomy, visceral neuropathy, and use of anticholinergic medication. The incidence is 3 out of 1,000 people.