[Usefulness of erythromycin in severe postoperative gastroparesis]

Erythromycin has recently been shown to exert a great effect on gastroduodenal motor activity. This prokinetic action may be clinically useful in patients with gastrointestinal hypomotility such as diabetic or postsurgical gastroparesis. The case of a diabetic patient who underwent antrectomy Billroth II for gastric cancer is presented. Severe gastroparesis appeared after surgery and nasogastric aspiration could not be removed, although the patient was treated with metoclopramide, and glucose levels, hydroelectrolytic balance and nutritional status were corrected. Forty-one days after the first operation, a second gastrectomy with Bilroth II reconstruction was performed because of supposed anastomotic narrowing, which was not confirmed at surgery. Fourteen days later, i.v. erythromycin (200 mg/4h) was started owing to gastroparesis persistence. Six days after treatment the patient tolerated oral ingestion. Prokinetic drugs constitute the specific therapy for gastroparesis. Metoclopramide is the most used, although its efficacy is limited. In the last few years, erythromycin has proved to have a powerful effect on gastroduodenal motility. This effect is mediated, at least in part, by its motilin stimulating activity accelerating gastric emptying. Our patient completely recovered from gastroparesis after erythromycin treatment. Recent results of erythromycin therapy in these patients have been promising, despite the difficult management involved.