Gastroparesis and neuromuscular disorders of the stomach

Gastroparesis is the most severe form of gastric neuromuscular dysfunction along a continuum that encompasses gastric visceral hypersensitivity, gastric dysrhythmias, and pylorospasm. Gastroparesis may present with vague dyspepsia symptoms or with vomiting of undigested food and weight loss. A careful history and physical examination may suggest the diagnosis of gastroparesis, but symptoms associated with gastric neuromuscular disorders are non-specific. Gastroparesis in patients with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is more common than appreciated. If gastroparesis is confirmed, then reversible causes such as mechanical obstruction of stomach and chronic mesenteric ischemia must be excluded. ''Idiopathic'' gastroparesis may follow viral infections or be due to degenerative processes that affect gastric enteric neurons, smooth muscle, and/or interstitial cells of Cajal. An approach to the diagnosis and treatment of gastroparesis and gastric neuromuscular disorders is reviewed including dietary counselling and new medical devices.