Gastroparesis

Overview

Mayo Clinic physicians and scientists have studied gastroparesis and other motility disorders — conditions that affect the movement of food through the digestive tract — for more than 50 years. During that time, they have pioneered innovative tests and treatments for motility problems such as gastroparesis, earning the clinic an international reputation as a preeminent motility center.

At Mayo Clinic, motility disorders specialists — gastroenterologists who have particular experience, interest and expertise in problems relating to the neuromuscular functioning of the digestive system — evaluate and treat people with gastroparesis. Other Mayo specialists, including a nutritionist and endocinologist, are usually also part of each patient's treatment team. This collaborative approach ensures that every person who comes to Mayo Clinic receives the most comprehensive, effective and supportive care possible. At Mayo, motility disorders specialists see gastroparesis patients almost every day.

Mayo Clinic also has a distinguished Enteric Neuroscience Program. Drawing on the expertise of researchers from all three Mayo sites, the program's goals are to understand the root causes of motility disorders, discover better therapies for these conditions, and serve as an educational resource for patients and other physicians.

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic physicians have been at the forefront of gastroparesis diagnosis for half a century. Today, they use sophisticated tests to evaluate the entire digestive tract, measure motor and sensory function in the stomach and intestine, and check for antibodies associated with motility problems. These advanced studies not only diagnose gastroparesis but help distinguish it from functional dyspepsia — a condition that causes similar symptoms. Read more about diagnosis of gastroparesis at Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

Although dietary changes can control symptoms of gastroparesis in many people, they are not universally effective. Doctors at Mayo Clinic create an individualized treatment plan for each patient, adjusting it as symptoms change or new treatment options become available. Read more about gastroparesis treatment at Mayo Clinic.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About gastroparesis

Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But in people with gastroparesis, the stomach muscles don't contract properly. As a result, the stomach empties too slowly and retains undigested food far longer than normal. Symptoms can range from mild bloating and a sense of fullness early in a meal to nausea, vomiting, unintended weight loss and malnutrition. Read more about gastroparesis.