Overview
Gastroparesis is a chronic condition characterized by delayed emptying of the stomach contents without any mechanical obstruction. This results in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. In South Korea, specialized gastroenterology centers provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options to manage this challenging condition.
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis means “paralyzed stomach,” where the normal movement (motility) of the stomach muscles is impaired, slowing or stopping the movement of food into the small intestine. It can be caused by damage to the nerves controlling the stomach muscles or other underlying diseases.
Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting (often of undigested food)
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
- Bloating and abdominal pain
- Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux
- Weight loss due to poor nutrition
- Erratic blood sugar levels in diabetic patients
Causes
- Diabetes mellitus (most common cause)
- Post-surgical complications (e.g., vagus nerve injury)
- Viral infections affecting stomach nerves
- Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease)
- Certain medications that slow gastric motility
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
Risk Factors
- Long-standing diabetes
- Previous stomach or esophageal surgery
- Use of narcotic pain medications or certain antidepressants
- Autoimmune diseases
- Age (more common in middle-aged and older adults)
Complications
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Weight loss
- Severe electrolyte imbalances
- Formation of bezoars (hardened food masses)
- Poor blood sugar control in diabetics
Prevention
- Proper management of underlying conditions like diabetes
- Avoiding medications that slow gastric emptying when possible
- Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
- Regular monitoring of symptoms for early intervention
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers comprehensive treatment options for gastroparesis through gastroenterology specialists and multidisciplinary care:
- Diagnosis
- Gastric emptying studies (scintigraphy) to measure stomach emptying time
- Endoscopy to rule out mechanical obstruction
- Blood tests and imaging as needed
- Dietary Management
- Small, frequent low-fat and low-fiber meals
- Nutritional counseling provided by dietitians
- Medications
- Prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide, domperidone) to stimulate gastric motility
- Antiemetics to control nausea and vomiting
- Pain management and treatment of underlying conditions
- Advanced Therapies
- Gastric electrical stimulation in select patients
- Botulinum toxin injections to relax pyloric sphincter
- Surgical options considered in refractory cases
- Supportive Care
- Intravenous fluids and nutritional support if oral intake is inadequate
- Blood sugar monitoring and control for diabetic patients
- Medical Centers
- Major hospitals such as Samsung Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital offer specialized gastroparesis management and research
